UEFA held an emergency virtual meeting of its 55 member associations on Thursday to respond to FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell a stake in the World Cup and other top tournaments to private investors.
FIFA announced Tuesday it would create a new commercial entity, separate from the federation, to hold the commercial and operational rights to major events including the men’s and women’s World Cups and the Club World Cup. Private investors would take a stake in the entity. The announcement came
just over a week after the 2026 World Cup ended, a tournament FIFA had promoted as a commercial success following its expansion and record revenues in North America. UEFA has warned the plan threatens the “soul and governance” of the game, questioning what role private capital should have in running football’s top competitions.
Why UEFA’s Members Matter
UEFA’s response carries weight because of Europe’s dominance on the field. European nations hold six of the top ten spots in FIFA’s men’s rankings, and UEFA members made up six of eight quarterfinalists and three of four semifinalists at the 2026 World Cup, which Spain won.
The women’s game shows a similar pattern: UEFA nations hold six of the top ten world rankings, and at the last Women’s World Cup, Europe supplied five of eight quarterfinalists, three of four semifinalists, and both finalists, with Spain again champion. That strength is why a coordinated European response, including a possible boycott could hurt FIFA financially, even as an extreme, last-resort option.
Tournaments on the Calendar
FIFA events over the next year that could be affected include:
- Under-20 Women’s World Cup — September 5–27, Poland
- Under-17 Women’s World Cup — October 17–November 7, Morocco
- Under-17 Men’s World Cup — November 19–December 13, Qatar
Critics also worry the plan could push FIFA to expand its tournament slate further, echoing the added revenue the enlarged men’s World Cup generated through extra matches.
What Happens Next
Thursday’s meeting was a coordination session, not a final decision. The dispute is among the most serious between UEFA and FIFA in recent years, arriving just as FIFA appeared to be riding a commercial high from a widely praised World Cup.
