UEFA member states unanimously vote to boycott the World Cup following FIFA's investment proposal - Sarmad

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) announced in a statement that member associations voted unanimously to boycott the World Cup and other FIFA competitions in protest of a plan to sell stakes to external investors in a subsidiary that will manage FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup.

The decision was taken at a meeting held online on Thursday.

FIFA announced on Tuesday plans to establish a $20 billion subsidiary to manage the World Cup and its other events, offering up to 20 percent stakes to external investors.

UEFA stated in its press release: “No UEFA member national teams will participate in any FIFA competition as long as these proposals remain in place, unless FIFA abandons the proposal entirely and provides binding guarantees that FIFA will never again open its management or competitions to private ownership.”

“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies, built over generations by players, national teams, and fans across all continents.”

“No part of it should ever be ceded to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale.”

The English Football Association spokesperson endorsed the decision, stating that the association “stands shoulder to shoulder with our European colleagues.”

The Asian Football Confederation and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) had also strongly criticized FIFA earlier, saying that the international governing body had not consulted them in the process.

The Women’s World Cup is scheduled to be held in Brazil next year. FIFA is also set to organize the first edition of the Under-15 World Cup in Azerbaijan in October next year.