UEFA and European Nations Boycott FIFA Events Over Investment Controversy
European soccer federations and nations are boycotting FIFA events due to disputes over the organization's controversial investment plan and leadership decisions.
July 2026
European nations agree to boycott FIFA World Cup and tournaments
European nations agreed to boycott the World Cup and all other FIFA competitions. The protest is directed at Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in soccer’s biggest tournament to private equity investors.
Source ↗UEFA condemns Infantino's plan to sell FIFA stakes
UEFA stated that Infantino's plan to spin off commercial operations into a new subsidiary was a profound failure of leadership. UEFA noted that Infantino was a long-time staffer and CEO-like general secretary when he was first elected to lead FIFA in 2016.
Source ↗Infantino reveals private equity plan for FIFA commercial operations
Gianni Infantino revealed a plan to spin off commercial operations into a new $20 billion subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). This subsidiary would be 20% owned by private investors, with Joshua Kushner's firm as the core investor.
Source ↗UEFA and 55 National Associations Reject FIFA Plans
UEFA issued a statement on behalf of its 55 national associations. This statement formally rejected plans proposed by FIFA regarding investment controversies.
Source ↗UEFA Votes to Boycott Future World Cups Over FIFA Investment Plan
UEFA voted to boycott future men’s and women’s World Cups. The decision was made in reaction to FIFA’s plan to inject private money into its competitions.
Source ↗August 2026
FIFA scraps $20 billion World Cup private investor plan
Gianni Infantino was forced to scrap the plan to spin off FIFA's commercial businesses into a $20 billion subsidiary. This reversal followed opposition from Asia's soccer body, Europe, and North America.
Source ↗UEFA declares no confidence in Gianni Infantino
UEFA issued a statement declaring no confidence in the current FIFA leadership. The European soccer body vowed to hold those responsible for the failed World Cup equity plan accountable.
Source ↗Wales Withdraw Support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino
Wales became the first nation to drop its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This action occurred amid growing opposition to the FIFA leadership.
Source ↗Multiple European FAs Withdraw Support for FIFA President
Several European Football Associations (FAs) withdrew their support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. This withdrawal intensified pressure on the FIFA leadership.
Source ↗UEFA rejects FIFA President Infantino's apology
UEFA issued a statement on Thursday, August 5, 2026. The statement indicated that the apology from FIFA President Infantino did not change UEFA's position regarding the ongoing controversy.
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