The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has officially responded to FIFA's plans to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, stating that no UEFA national team will participate in any FIFA competitions. This is stated in a UEFA statement, reports UNN.
UEFA and its 55 member associations stand united. We unanimously and categorically reject FIFA's proposal to transfer ownership stakes in the FIFA World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors. The FIFA World Cup cannot be viewed as an investment product. It is one of the greatest sporting legacies of football. It has been built over generations by footballers, national teams, and fans from all continents. No part of it should ever be transferred to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale
UEFA also emphasized that it is irresponsible and unacceptable that a proposal of such importance to football was developed in secret and brought to the brink of approval without any meaningful consultation with those entrusted to govern the game.
This is not just a profound failure of leadership, but a dereliction of FIFA's duty as the guardian of world football. National associations around the world are now facing an ultimatum: either agree to the irreversible takeover of the most prestigious football tournaments, or face the consequences. This is not a 'democratic decision,' but governance by intimidation—an act of coercion unworthy of an institution entrusted with the management of world football
The statement also indicates that the opposition of members goes far beyond procedural issues.
The moment external investors acquire ownership stakes in FIFA competitions, football changes forever. Commercial returns become a permanent obligation. Investor expectations turn into daily pressure. From that moment on, every decision regarding the international calendar, every decision on competition formats, and every decision shaping the future of football will no longer be based on what best serves the game, but on what best serves the interests of shareholders. This model has no place in world football. The future of football cannot be determined by the expectations of those whose primary duty is to maximize financial returns. The interests of national associations, leagues, clubs, players, and fans also cannot be subordinated to investor profits. Football cannot mortgage its future for financial gain
Member countries stated that 'Europe's position is clear: we will never grant this model legitimacy.'
No one has the moral right to sell what has been entrusted to them only for the next generation. Following today's discussion, no UEFA national team will participate in any FIFA competitions as long as these proposals remain in effect, except in cases where this proposal is completely rejected and binding guarantees are provided that FIFA will never again open its governance or competitions to private ownership
Recall
FIFA announced plans to sell a stake in the business operations of the World Cup and its other competitions by creating a semi-private subsidiary.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino threatens FIFA member countries with a 75% reduction in funding if his plan to sell FIFA stakes to private investors is not supported.