World Cup Boycott? Europe Draws A Red Line Over Infantino’s FIFA Sell-Off Plan

Published 29 July 2026 · sports

World Cup Boycott? Europe Draws A Red Line Over Infantino’s FIFA Sell-Off Plan Published By, Last Updated: July 29, 2026, 13:21 IST UEFA nations are

World Cup Boycott? Europe Draws A Red Line Over Infantino’s FIFA Sell-Off Plan Published By, Last Updated: July 29, 2026, 13:21 IST UEFA nations are weighing a World Cup boycott after Gianni Infantino's reported plan to sell part of FIFA sparked outrage over football's future. Rapid Read Gianni Infantino continues to find new ways to rip the beautiful game's soul (AFP) Gianni Infantino has never been shy about bastardising football into nothing but a commercial product. But his latest reported plan may have finally united European football against him. UEFA nations are reportedly set to hold an emergency virtual meeting this week to discuss their opposition to FIFA’s proposal to create a new commercial company and bring in private investors. According to Sky Sports, the reported move has triggered one of the biggest governance disputes football has seen in years, with some European associations even willing to consider the final ultimatum: a boycott of future World Cups.

FIFA’s $20 Billion ‘Vision’ The controversy centres around Infantino’s reported proposal to launch a new subsidiary, valued at around $20 billion, before selling more than 20% of it to outside investors in a deal worth roughly $4.2 billion. According to The Times, the company would control the commercial rights to the men’s and women’s World Cups, the Club World Cup and several other FIFA competitions, while FIFA would retain a majority stake. Reports claim discussions have already taken place with potential investors, including Thrive Capital founder Joshua Kushner and an investment arm of JP Morgan Chase. The report also suggested Infantino could become commissioner of the new company after his expected final term as FIFA president ends in 2031. UEFA Hits Back UEFA’s response was swift and unusually blunt. “This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross.

UEFA takes it extremely seriously." The governing body urged national associations, clubs, leagues, players and governments to oppose the proposal. “The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade… None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell." The fact that several national associations, including England’s Football Association, reportedly only learned of the proposal after FIFA’s announcement has further fuelled frustration over what critics see as a lack of transparency. Boycott Threat Looms While no formal decision has been taken, reports suggest several European nations are prepared to discuss boycotting a future World Cup if FIFA presses ahead without addressing their concerns. The next World Cup on the calendar is the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil, and the dispute threatens to cast a long shadow over preparations. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit About the Author Siddarth Sriram After training in the field of broadcast media, Siddarth, as a sub-editor for News18 Sports, currently dabbles in putting together stories, from across a plethora of sports, onto a digital canvas.