Football bodies reject FIFA's private investment p...

By Rohan Gupta — 30 July 2026 — 3 min read

UEFA and its 55 national associations have collectively rejected FIFA‘s proposal to transfer ownership interests in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors. This decision was announced following a discussion where the European football body and its members stood united against the plan. They stated that they would not participate in any FIFA competition as long as these proposals remain active, unless the plan is entirely abandoned and binding assurances are given that FIFA will not again open its governance or competitions to private ownership.

The European confederation emphasised that the World Cup should not be treated as an investment product, highlighting its status as a significant sporting legacy built over generations by players, national teams, and supporters globally. They asserted that no part of this legacy should be surrendered to private investors, declaring that the World Cup is not for sale.

Concerns over governance and financial motives

UEFA expressed strong disapproval regarding the process by which this proposal was developed. They criticised the plan for being conceived in secret and brought close to approval without meaningful consultation with those responsible for stewarding the game. This approach was described as a profound failure of leadership and an abdication of FIFA‘s duty as the custodian of world football. The organisation also noted that national associations worldwide are being presented with an ultimatum: either accept the irreversible capture of football’s greatest competitions or face consequences, characterising this as governance by intimidation rather than a democratic decision.

The opposition from UEFA extends beyond procedural issues to the fundamental impact of private investment. They argue that once external investors acquire ownership interests in FIFA competitions, football will change permanently. The primary obligation would shift to commercial return, and investor expectations would become a constant pressure. This, they believe, would mean that future decisions on the international calendar, competition formats, and the overall direction of football would be driven by what best serves shareholders, rather than what best serves the game itself. UEFA stated that this model has no place in world football and that football’s future should not be dictated by those whose main duty is to maximise financial returns.

Broader opposition to the investment plan

In a related development, CONCACAF, the governing body for football in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, also rejected the plan to sell minority stakes in the FIFA World Cup. This decision was made hours after UEFA‘s announcement of a potential boycott. CONCACAF‘s statement, released on Thursday, indicated that its 41 member associations had “deep concerns” about the proposals. These concerns included the “artificially short deadline imposed” and questions regarding the necessity of private equity for funding, especially after what was described as the most profitable FIFA World Cup in history.

All CONCACAF member associations, including U.S. Soccer, rejected the proposal. While CONCACAF‘s statement did not explicitly mention a boycott like the one threatened by UEFA, its rejection further complicates FIFA‘s plans. The proposal involves selling approximately 20% stakes in a new commercial venture controlled by FIFA, a plan being championed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. FIFA is reportedly being advised by JPMorgan on this plan, with a fund created by Josh Kushner’s Thrive Capital identified as the lead investor.

A majority of FIFA‘s 211 member associations globally need to approve the deal by September 19. Infantino had stated on Wednesday that member associations failing to approve the deal by this deadline would lose access to an immediate $20 million and an additional $20 million raised over the subsequent three years through the deal. The next FIFA event, the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup, is scheduled to begin in Poland on September 5, with multiple UEFA members, including Spain, Portugal, Italy, France, England, and host country Poland, set to participate.