LONDON — UEFA and its 55 member associations have reportedly agreed to oppose FIFA plans that could involve transferring ownership stakes in World Cup competitions and other FIFA tournaments to private investors, according to reports by Times Sport.
The reported decision would see European national teams boycott FIFA competitions, including the 2030 Men’s World Cup and the 2027 Women’s World Cup, unless the proposal is withdrawn and FIFA provides formal guarantees that its competitions will not be opened to private ownership.
According to the reported statement attributed to UEFA, European football authorities said they stand united against any move that would transfer control or ownership rights of FIFA competitions to private investors.
“UEFA and the 55 national associations stand with one position,” the reported statement said, adding that European teams would not participate in FIFA tournaments while such proposals remain under consideration.
The reported dispute highlights growing tensions over the future governance and commercial structure of global football, with European football authorities calling for greater protection of national teams, competitions, and football institutions.
FIFA has not publicly confirmed the reported boycott decision, and further clarification from football governing bodies is expected.
