- All 55 UEFA members unanimously agreed to boycott FIFA competitions, including the 2030 men’s World Cup, hosted mainly in Spain and Portugal, and the under-20 women’s tournament in Poland.
- World Cup winner Xabi Alonso, coach of Chelsea, said football must be kept for fans rather than private interests, calling that a common feeling among football people.
- FIFA stays defiant over the World Cup investment plan despite UEFA's vote to boycott.
- If FIFA does not back down and UEFA follows through with its boycott, a World Cup without European teams would be “dead on arrival,” losing most elite teams and associated revenue.
UEFA's decision to boycott FIFA competitions stems from concerns over FIFA's plan to create a $20 billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, which would allow private equity investment in the World Cup.156
FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated that the organization will continue its consultation process despite UEFA's threats.
“Nobody is selling football. This is not something FIFA would ever entertain,” Infantino asserted, emphasizing that each member association should have a say in shaping their future.
UEFA's boycott includes the 2030 World Cup, primarily hosted in Spain and Portugal, and the under-20 women’s tournament in Poland.
The proposal has drawn criticism for prioritizing profit over player welfare and fan interests, with concerns that it could lead to a “Yankification” of the sport, diluting its essence.
“The way we love football is like this, and we have just seen a great World Cup,” said Spanish World Cup winner Xabi Alonso, highlighting the need to prioritize fans over private interests.234
FIFA's plan promises $40 million to each member that supports the initiative, a significant sum for many smaller federations. However, critics argue that this one-off payment could jeopardize long-term revenue streams.
“If FIFA doesn’t back down, and UEFA does follow through with its boycott, a World Cup without European teams would already be dead on arrival,” warned analysts, indicating the potential financial fallout from the boycott.
The Asian Football Confederation has also expressed skepticism, stating that the proposal cannot succeed without support from all regional blocs.
“All 55 UEFA members agreed Thursday to boycott the 2030 men's World Cup in Spain and Portugal and the under-20 women's tournament in Poland. Xabi Alonso said football must be kept for fans, not private interests, while a World Cup without European teams would be 'dead on arrival'.”
The Globe and Mail
