UEFA threatens World Cup boycott over FIFA commercial sell-off plan

UEFA has escalated a high-stakes confrontation with FIFA, threatening to boycott the World Cup and all international competitions if the global soccer body proceeds with plans to sell a stake in its commercial operations. The dispute centers on a $20 billion proposal to spin off FIFA’s commercial assets into a private entity, with private investors set to own 20% of the new structure. The move, linked to the investment firm of Joshua Kushner — brother of Donald Trump’s son-in-law — has sparked outrage among European soccer authorities.

The UEFA decision, announced after an emergency meeting of its 55 member federations, marks a pivotal moment in the conflict between continental governing bodies and FIFA’s leadership under President Gianni Infantino. The European body asserted that the World Cup, a "sporting legacy" built over generations, should not be "treated as an investment product." UEFA’s statement emphasized that no national team would participate in FIFA competitions while the proposal remains active, a stance that could disrupt the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil and future tournaments.

Infantino’s plan, revealed in a letter to FIFA’s 211 member nations, promises increased funding for national associations, doubling annual payments to $20 million from $10 million, but critics argue the deal prioritizes private interests over the sport’s public good. The proposal, which requires a majority vote by member nations by mid-September, has faced immediate resistance. CONCACAF and Asian football authorities also raised concerns about the lack of transparency, with the latter calling the process "unusual."

JPMorgan’s involvement has drawn particular scrutiny. The bank, which has advised FIFA on the stake sale, has a history of controversial sports-related investments. In 2021, it backed the European Super League, a breakaway competition that collapsed within 48 hours amid widespread backlash. The bank also facilitated financing for the SoFi Stadium, which contributed to the relocation of the NFL’s Rams from St. Louis to Los Angeles, and played a role in the financial struggles of Formula 1 during the early 2000s. Critics argue that FIFA’s current plan mirrors past failures, extracting value rather than fostering growth.

The political dimension of the controversy has intensified, with U.S. Democratic lawmakers warning of potential congressional scrutiny. Representative Jamie Raskin, a top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, accused FIFA of orchestrating a "smash-and-grab scam" and linked the organization to Trump-era corruption. Raskin highlighted the involvement of Kushner’s investment vehicle, Thrive Eternal, and called for a probe into FIFA’s ties to the Trump family. He warned that a Democratic majority in November could trigger a formal inquiry, compelling FIFA, JPMorgan, and related entities to disclose records on financial deals and interactions with U.S. Officials.

Infantino, who faces re-election as FIFA president in March 2027, has framed the plan as a means to "turbocharge" global soccer development. However, the backlash has jeopardized his political standing. UEFA and other confederations have criticized the proposal as a power grab, with the Football Supporters Europe group demanding "Game over, Gianni #InfantinOUT." The dispute also threatens Infantino’s ambitions for a commissioner-like role in the new entity, a prospect that has fueled accusations of self-interest.

The fallout extends beyond soccer. The U.S. Department of Justice’s decision to drop longstanding FIFA corruption cases has drawn criticism, with Raskin suggesting the administration’s priorities have shifted away from enforcing anti-bribery laws. Meanwhile, UEFA’s boycott threat risks destabilizing the World Cup’s integrity, as European teams’ absence could undermine the tournament’s global appeal. The conflict underscores deepening tensions between FIFA’s leadership and the regional bodies that govern the sport, with the outcome likely to shape soccer’s financial and political landscape for years to come.