UEFA Threatens World Cup Boycott Over FIFA Private Investment Plan

Europe's 55 football associations have unanimously agreed to boycott all FIFA competitions if the world governing body proceeds with plans to sell stakes in its tournaments to private investors.
The decision was reached during an emergency meeting of the UEFA on Thursday, following FIFA's announcement earlier this week that it is considering opening parts of its competitions to private investment.
In a strongly worded statement, UEFA rejected the proposal, insisting that the FIFA World Cup is a global sporting legacy that should never be commercialised.
"The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of football's greatest sporting legacies. It has been built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale," UEFA said.
The proposed boycott would apply to all FIFA-organised competitions, including the men's and women's World Cups as well as the Club World Cup, if FIFA President Gianni Infantino secures approval for the plan from FIFA's member associations.
The first major test of UEFA's position could come in October during the Women's World Cup play-offs.
Reports indicate that the emergency meeting was marked by intense opposition to the proposal, with the atmosphere described as highly charged. Debbie Hewitt and Mark Bullingham were among those who addressed the meeting.
Despite serving as one of FIFA's eight vice-presidents, Hewitt was reportedly unaware of the discussions FIFA President Infantino had been holding over the investment proposal before it was announced.