Thursday 30 July 2026 4:17 pm
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Thursday 30 July 2026 4:19 pm
Uefa president Ceferin has vowed to boycott Infantino boss Fifa's World Cup plans
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 a Uefa crisis summit. England’s Football Association and the other 54 members of European governing body Uefa held emergency talks today to discuss their response to Fifa’s proposal.It is understood that all members unanimously agreed to support a boycott of future World Cups. A statement is expected from Uefa later today.Fifa has promised that raising $4bn from the sale of around 20 per cent in the new vehicle, Fifa Forward Enterprise, would treble its payouts to all 211 member associations and asked them to vote on the scheme in September.But they have been hit by a fierce backlash since the details leaked on Tuesday, with FAs, continental federations, leagues, clubs and player unions all slamming a lack of consultation.Uefa has the most sway of any of world football’s confederations due to Europe being home to top teams and the biggest media market, so its consent was always going to be essential.It has repeatedly clashed with Fifa during Infantino’s 10-year reign over his plans to expand tournaments, potentially damaging Uefa’s powerbase. Trump links to Fifa World Cup sell-off planPrime Minister Andy Burnham was quick to condemn the move, while the European Commission has raised the prospect of attempting to block via competition law.Uefa has been the loudest critic, accusing Fifa of trying to “sell football’s soul” and using the sport to “enrich themselves and their friends”.The only proposed investor so far is Thrive Eternal, a vehicle owned by Joshua Kushner, whose elder brother is son-in-law to Infantino ally President Trump. Infantino has already faced serious questions about his closeness to Trump, who he awarded the first ever Fifa Peace Prize last year and has even accompanied on state business.
