European nations vow World Cup boycott unless FIFA scraps controversial investment plan

All 55 UEFA member associations agreed to boycott the World Cup and all FIFA competitions unless FIFA abandons its private-investment plan.

FIFA's proposal would create a commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) allowing private investors minority stakes, aiming to raise up to $4.2 billion.

UEFA accused FIFA of putting commercial interests ahead of football's future, demanding FIFA abandon the proposal and give binding assurances against private ownership.

The boycott threatens European qualifiers for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup and the men's 2030 World Cup co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino called the initiative a golden opportunity, but UEFA members unanimously and unequivocally rejected it.