Explaining why "European nations" are threatening to boycott the "FIFA"-organized World Cup.
On 29 July 2026, European member countries are preparing to discuss the possibility of boycotting the World Cup after UEFA criticized FIFA's plan leaked to the public. The proposal involves selling partial ownership rights of the World Cup to private investors, potentially allowing FIFA president Gianni Infantino to receive huge future returns.
The Times newspaper reported that Infantino is considering selling a stake in the World Cup to investors and creating a new company to manage the tournament's business. The deal could be worth up to £15 billion. FIFA later confirmed this plan through an urgent statement.
The report also stated that after Infantino leaves his position as FIFA president in 2031, he might become a commissioner of this new company, a role with high compensation estimated at over 50 million U.S. dollars per year.
Additionally, JPMorgan is reportedly handling the financial process of this deal, and the government of President Donald Trump has been consulted about the plan.
This proposal has faced heavy criticism from many football insiders. One source told The Times the plan is like a "nuclear bomb" that would destroy the football world, while another said it could be "worse than the establishment of the European Super League."
Most recently, Sky Sports reported that UEFA members are preparing an emergency meeting this week to discuss the possibility of not sending teams to the World Cup and other measures to oppose Infantino's idea.
If a boycott occurs, it could mean that Europe's top teams, such as Spain—the current World Cup champion—along with England and France, who reached the semifinals, would not participate in the World Cup.
Reports indicate that the English Football Association was unaware of this plan before the news broke. UEFA, which has had conflicts with FIFA and Infantino recently, immediately issued a statement criticizing the plan, stating:
"This crosses a line that football governing bodies should not cross. UEFA takes this matter very seriously, and all national football associations should do the same."
"Everyone involved—leagues, clubs, players, fans, governments, and anyone concerned about football's future—should pay attention because the spirit and governance of football are not assets to be traded. Especially when there is no transparency about who will benefit financially. No one owns football, and football is not something FIFA should be selling."
The boycott could happen as soon as the 2027 Women's World Cup hosted by Brazil.