Is Infantino finished? Could Uefa boycott World Cup? What happens now?
Uefa has threatened to withdraw its member associations from all Fifa competitions if Fifa approves president Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell a 20% stake in a company running its tournaments, including the World Cup. The move could trigger an unprecedented boycott of major men’s and women’s events, putting pressure on Infantino and exposing deep divisions over Fifa’s governance, consultation and use of private investment.
The proposed deal would offer countries $20m (£15m) if accepted by 19 September, with funds due on 1 January, but Uefa says it was not properly discussed. A boycott could affect the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland from 5 September and October’s Women’s World Cup play-offs involving the UK home nations; Concacaf’s 41 members have also rejected the plans. European football figures, including the English and Scottish FAs, have backed Uefa’s position, while Fifa had not yet responded.
- Uefa threatens a Fifa competition boycott over World Cup investment plans.
- The dispute could disrupt upcoming women’s international tournaments.
- European and Concacaf members oppose Infantino’s proposed deal.
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Fifa is the global governing body for football. It organises major tournaments including the World Cup. Fifa's president, Gianni Infantino, wants to sell a 20% ownership share in the company that runs these tournaments to private investors.
Uefa represents Europe's national football associations. Uefa says it was not properly consulted about the plan and has threatened to withdraw all its members from all Fifa competitions if the deal goes through. Such a boycott would affect major tournaments that European national teams compete in.
The dispute reflects disagreements over how Fifa makes major decisions and uses private investment in world football. Football governing bodies from other regions have also rejected the plan, and major European football associations including England and Scotland have backed Uefa's position.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
A Uefa withdrawal could be justified if national associations believe a major change to Fifa’s tournament finances was proposed without adequate consultation. Rejecting the deal would defend members’ influence over the game’s governance and guard against selling a stake in key competitions on terms they have not had a fair chance to scrutinise.
The case against
Fifa could argue that private investment offers a way to raise substantial funds for football associations, with the proposed payments helping countries develop the game. A boycott would also risk harming players and supporters, including those involved in upcoming women’s competitions, before the proposal’s merits and terms have been fully assessed.