Fifa Proceeds with World Cup Consultation Plan

FIFA has issued a statement defending its plans to sell portions of the World Cup to U.S.‑based private investors after a wave of criticism from European football associations. In the response, the governing body insisted that “nobody is selling football,” while blaming inaccurate media reports for disrupting its consultation process. The statement was issued following an emergency meeting on Thursday, in which UEFA member associations voted to boycott all FIFA tournaments—including future World Cups—unless the proposed sale is abandoned.

The controversy centers on FIFA’s proposal to license parts of the World Cup to private investors, a move that many European clubs and national associations view as a threat to the sport’s integrity and traditional revenue structures. UEFA’s decision to boycott reflects growing concerns that the sale could undermine the global competition’s fairness and commercial stability. FIFA’s statement attempts to quell the backlash by emphasizing that the sale is a strategic partnership rather than a divestiture of the sport itself.

If the boycott proceeds, FIFA will face a significant challenge in maintaining the legitimacy and financial viability of its flagship tournaments. The situation underscores the tension between commercial ambitions and the traditional governance model of international football, and the outcome will likely shape the sport’s future governance and revenue distribution.