UEFA and its 55 member associations have taken an unprecedented decision. Meeting in emergency session this Thursday, they unanimously voted to boycott all competitions organized by the FIFA if she continues his plan to open up the commercial activities of the World Cup to private investors. The vote concluded with 55 votes to zero. French Football Federation We therefore support this common position with all European associations. The threat is not only aimed at the upcoming Men's World Cup, but at all FIFA competitions in which European national teams participate.
No European country as long as the project remains on the table
The UEFA has issued a clear ultimatum. No European national team will participate in any FIFA-organized competition as long as the proposed sale remains active. To have the boycott lifted, FIFA must completely abandon its project and provide binding guarantees confirming that its competitions and governance will never be open to private ownership. " The world Cup It cannot be treated as an investment product. The World Cup is not for sale.the European body insisted.
A new company valued at $20 billion
UEFA's anger stems from the FIFA Forward Enterprise project, also known as FFE. This new entity would be responsible for the commercial and operational activities of FIFA's major competitions, including the World Cup and the Club World Cup. It would encompass broadcasting rights, sponsorships, ticketing, commercial licensing, and tournament organization. Its initial valuation would reach approximately $20 billion. FIFA plans to sell up to 20% of its capital to outside investors. These stakes would remain minority holdings without controlling power, according to the proposed plan. The operation could raise up to $4,2 billion.
A fund linked to Joshua Kushner is tipped to lead the investment
Thrive Eternal, a firm founded by Joshua Kushner, is among the investors slated to lead the operation. Joshua Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump. JPMorgan Chase is advising FIFA as a financial advisor. The selected investors would take long-term stakes in FIFA Forward Enterprise, without directly acquiring shares in FIFA, which remains a non-profit organization based in Switzerland.
FIFA promises to retain all sporting decisions
Gianni Infantino FIFA asserts that private investors would have no power over regulations, schedules, competition formats, or sporting decisions. FIFA maintains that it would retain exclusive control of the new company as well as all its powers regarding football governance, tournament organization, and international regulations. The money raised would be used to finance the development of football worldwide. Each member federation could, in particular, receive up to an additional $20 million for its infrastructure, coach training, national teams, grassroots football, and women's football.
UEFA refuses any sale, even a minority one.
These guarantees failed to convince UEFA. The European governing body rejects the very principle of private participation in a company that operates global competitions. It believes that the World Cup was built over generations by players, national teams, and fans, and that no part of this legacy should become the property of investors. UEFA is also demanding greater transparency regarding the financial beneficiaries of the arrangement. It had already criticized the project for being prepared without sufficient consultation with federations, clubs, players, and other confederations.
France could miss the 2030 World Cup
If FIFA maintains its plan and the boycott remains in effect, the French national team will not participate in the 2030 World Cup hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco.EnglandGermany, Italy, the Netherlands, and all other European teams would also be absent. The decision would also affect the Women's World Cup and FIFA's international youth competitions. The adopted text applies to all national teams belonging to UEFA, not just the men's tournament.
The project still needs to be approved.
The sale is not yet finalized. FIFA Forward Enterprise must be submitted to the FIFA Council and the organization's 211 member national associations. Gianni Infantino has launched a consultation and is defending a project intended, according to him, to significantly increase the resources distributed to federations. UEFA is now demanding its complete withdrawal. As long as this condition is not met, the 55 European associations will maintain their boycott of FIFA competitions.
