England and all 54 UEFA member associations have unanimously voted to boycott FIFA competitions after rejecting the governing body's proposal to sell ownership interests in the World Cup to private investors, with 35 Concacaf nations joining the opposition in a rebellion that now totals 90 FIFA member associations.
The decision came after crisis talks on Thursday in which more than 40 federations gave testimony, with UEFA describing member associations as outraged that FIFA had developed the proposal without consultation. Sources told the Daily Mail there was total unanimity on the call.
The Boycott Threat
In a statement co-signed by all 55 UEFA members, European football's governing body said it would not participate in FIFA competitions for as long as the proposals remain alive, unless the plan is abandoned entirely and binding assurances are given that FIFA will never again open its governance or competitions to private ownership.
UEFA said the World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product and accused FIFA of governance by intimidation. The statement said that once external investors acquire ownership interests in FIFA competitions, every decision on the international calendar, competition formats and the future of football would be driven by what best serves shareholders rather than the game.
The Football Association backed the position. An FA spokeswoman said the association stands shoulder to shoulder with its European colleagues and fully opposes FIFA's plans.
Concacaf Joins Opposition
The 41 member associations of Concacaf, the confederation covering North, Central America and the Caribbean, also rejected the proposal, though they stopped short of threatening to withdraw from FIFA competitions. Concacaf cited the lack of due process, an artificially short deadline, and the absence of review by relevant FIFA governance bodies.
Concacaf also questioned the need for private equity investment following what it described as the most profitable FIFA World Cup in history. Sources told the Daily Mail that opposition to Infantino's presidency is growing within Concacaf, with the vast majority of member associations having already lost confidence in his leadership.
The president of the Asian Federation, Sheikh Salman, also wrote of his great concern and disappointment at FIFA's decision to prepare the proposal without consultation.
The Numbers
To pass the proposal, Infantino would need the backing of 106 member associations. With 90 publicly opposed, just 16 more defections would make it impossible for the plan to succeed.
FIFA is hoping to raise £3.1 billion through a new company responsible for the commercial and operational aspects of tournaments. Investment bank J.P. Morgan is serving as FIFA's financial adviser, while Joshua Kushner's Thrive Capital is expected to lead the proposed investor group. Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law.
Infantino had sought to force FIFA associations to decide on the proposal by September 19, and wrote to all 211 FIFA members outlining the financial benefits. UEFA accused FIFA of trying to bribe associations into agreeing, pointing to the offer of up to £15 million in additional revenue for those who backed the plan.
Political Reaction
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the boycott was a principled decision that the government strongly supports, adding that football belongs to fans and not billionaire investors. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage also backed UEFA on social media, calling on Infantino to resign.
Immediate Consequences
The effects of the boycott could be felt within 37 days, with the Women's Under-20 World Cup set to begin in Poland. The tournament includes six European teams, among them England. UEFA play-offs for the Women's World Cup are also scheduled for October, with England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales all set to participate.
UEFA previously used the threat of boycott to compel FIFA to scrap a 2021 proposal to stage the World Cup every two years.
