UEFA is preparing an emergency meeting of its 55 member associations to discuss FIFA’s proposed $20 billion private investment plan, with a potential World Cup boycott among the options being considered.
The proposal, unveiled by FIFA president, Gianni Infantino, would create the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new subsidiary responsible for the commercial and event operations of FIFA competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.
FIFA said the venture would seek minority investment while retaining full control of football governance, with funds intended to expand development programmes for its 211 member associations.
UEFA strongly opposed the proposal, insisting football “isn’t FIFA’s to sell” and criticising the lack of transparency surrounding the plan. Sources told ESPN there is significant resistance within the European governing body.
The latest dispute echoes UEFA’s successful opposition to FIFA’s proposed biennial World Cup in 2021, with another boycott threat now emerging as a possible strategy against Infantino’s latest initiative.
Oluwagbemisola Babalola
