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UEFA is moving quickly to organise an emergency meeting of its 55 member associations this week as European football leaders consider strong measures, including a possible boycott of future FIFA World Cups, in opposition to FIFA’s plan to raise billions of dollars through outside investors, sources told ESPN.
The move follows FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s announcement that football’s global governing body intends to seek external investment for a newly created commercial entity called the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). The organisation would oversee FIFA’s commercial activities and major events, including future editions of the men’s and women’s World Cup.
FIFA said the initiative aims to “unleash the commercial potential and opportunity that FIFA has” and would involve selling minority, non-controlling stakes to long-term investors. The plan is based on an initial equity valuation of $20 billion, with FIFA hoping to raise up to $4.2 billion later this year.
Financial services giant J.P. Morgan is reportedly advising FIFA on the project, while potential investors include Thrive Eternal, founded by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Jared Kushner, who is the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
UEFA reacted strongly to the proposal, warning that football should not be treated as a financial asset. In a statement, UEFA said: “The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade — especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially.”
“None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell,” UEFA added.
The European body’s statement reflected widespread opposition among national football associations, with sources saying there is “strong resistance” within UEFA to FIFA’s plans.
A virtual meeting involving all 55 UEFA member associations is considered highly likely before the end of the week. Officials are expected to discuss a coordinated response and possible action against the proposal.
UEFA previously used the threat of a boycott in 2021 when FIFA considered holding the men’s World Cup every two years. That proposal was eventually abandoned after opposition from European football authorities.
FIFA defended the new investment plan, saying it would increase funding for member associations worldwide. Under its proposed “FIFA Fast-Forward Program,” national federations could receive significantly higher development funds, rising from the current $8 million allocation to $20 million in the next cycle, followed by further increases in later periods.
The organisation said member federations would have the option to participate in the new financial opportunities, while FIFA would maintain full control over football governance, competitions, regulations and sporting decisions.
The controversy comes after FIFA generated record revenues of around $12 billion from the 2026 World Cup, which was hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico.
However, UEFA officials remain concerned about the growing commercial influence surrounding FIFA, particularly following the close relationship between Infantino and US President Donald Trump.
FIFA is scheduled to hold an online congress on November 23 to confirm hosts for the 2031 and 2035 Women’s World Cups, but no timeline has yet been announced for decisions on the investment proposal.
