Key facts
- UEFA members unanimously voted to boycott all FIFA competitions.
- The boycott includes the World Cup.
- The protest is against FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plan to sell stakes in a new subsidiary.
- UEFA stated that no national teams will participate unless the proposal is abandoned.
- The decision was reached by unanimous vote among UEFA's member associations.
- The boycott signals a rift between UEFA and FIFA over governance and commercialization.
UEFA members have unanimously decided to boycott all FIFA competitions, including the prestigious World Cup, in a strong protest against FIFA President Gianni Infantino's proposed plan to sell stakes in a newly established subsidiary. The decision, reached by unanimous vote among UEFA's member associations, carries a clear ultimatum: no national teams affiliated with UEFA will participate in any FIFA events unless Infantino's proposal is completely abandoned. This move highlights a deep division and significant tension between the European football governing body and the global football authority over the commercial direction and governance of the sport. The boycott, if enacted, would have substantial implications for FIFA competitions, potentially impacting viewership, revenue, and the overall integrity of global tournaments. UEFA's unified stance suggests a serious concern among its members regarding the potential implications of selling stakes in FIFA's commercial ventures and the precedent it could set for the future management of football's assets.