Key facts
- UEFA and all 55 European nations will boycott the World Cup if FIFA proceeds with selling stakes in its commercial operations.
- FIFA plans to sell approximately 20% of its new commercial vehicle, Fifa Forward Enterprise, to raise $4 billion for football development.
- The proposal has faced significant opposition from UEFA and other confederations due to a lack of consultation and concerns over the sport's integrity.
- Joshua Kushner's Thrive Eternal is the only proposed investor identified so far.
- The European Commission is considering blocking the deal using competition law.
UEFA and all European nations have vowed to boycott the World Cup if FIFA proceeds with plans to sell off stakes in a new commercial vehicle, following an emergency UEFA crisis summit. FIFA President Gianni Infantino's proposal to sell minority stakes in the World Cup's commercial operations, named Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE), aims to raise $4 billion for football development. However, the plan has faced a fierce backlash from football associations, continental federations, leagues, clubs, and player unions due to a perceived lack of consultation. UEFA, which holds significant sway due to Europe's top teams and largest media market, has been the most vocal critic, accusing FIFA of attempting to 'sell football’s soul' and 'enrich themselves and their friends'. The European Commission has also raised the possibility of blocking the deal using competition law. The Indonesian FA president, however, has backed the sell-off, citing potential for development. The only proposed investor so far is Thrive Eternal, a vehicle owned by Joshua Kushner, whose brother is son-in-law to President Trump, an ally of Infantino. Member associations are expected to vote on the scheme in September.