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UEFA has stated that its 55 member associations will not take part in FIFA competitions for as long as Gianni Infantino’s surprise proposal to sell parts of World Cup rights to private investors remains in place. The strong response follows a series of statements and mixed reactions from football federations across the world, many of whom were reportedly not informed about FIFA’s decision-making process.

'Will not participate'

On Wednesday morning, Infantino announced that he had single-handedly decided to create a separate company for FIFA’s commercial rights, called FIFA Forward Enterprises, with roughly 20 percent potentially available for purchase by private investors.

The announcement, which was made without informing FIFA’s six confederations, sent shockwaves through the football world. UEFA then called an emergency meeting for Thursday, where it agreed to boycott all FIFA competitions.

UEFA set out its position in a statement: "This model has no place in world football. Football’s future cannot be dictated by the expectations of those whose first duty is to maximise financial return. Nor can the interests of national associations, leagues, clubs, players and supporters become subordinate to investor returns. Football cannot mortgage its future for financial gain.

"Europe’s position is clear. We will never lend this model our legitimacy. No one has the moral authority to sell what they merely hold in trust for the next generation. As a result of today’s discussion, no UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition for so long as these proposals remain alive, unless this proposal has been abandoned in its entirety and binding assurances have been given that FIFA will never again open its governance or competitions to private ownership."

Action taken immediately

UEFA’s decision appears to place several competitions at risk. The most immediate concern is the 2027 Women’s World Cup, in which UEFA teams are expected to play a major role. Future men’s World Cups and Club World Cups could also be affected.

UEFA underlined that point in its statement: "Some things are simply too important to sell. The FIFA World Cup belongs to football. It always will. And so long as Europe has a voice, it will never be for sale."

An already frosty relationship

UEFA’s move seems likely to further strain an already difficult relationship between Europe and FIFA. Confederation president Aleksander Ceferin boycotted the World Cup final in protest against FIFA, while UEFA described FIFA’s decision to halt Folarin Balogun’s red card suspension as 'unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable.'

It was reported earlier on Thursday morning that UEFA was considering backing a candidate to stand against Infantino in FIFA’s elections next March. Infantino is still expected to run unopposed and secure another term as FIFA president. Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is among the names mentioned as a possible challenger, although he is reportedly reluctant to enter the race.

Reason for optimism?

However, UEFA’s stance could also create an opening for talks. It would appear extremely difficult to stage any major football competition without the backing of European football.

Herve Verhoosel, former Director of Communications for the UN, who worked closely with FIFA during his time there, said that the threat of a boycott could leave space for more meaningful negotiations.

"UEFA's position should not be seen simply as a threat... The objective now should not be to defend positions already taken. It should be to restart the conversation," he said. "The best way forward is not to begin with a project that already has a name, financial advisers, potential investors and an established structure.

"The best way forward is to begin with a blank sheet of paper and ask one simple question: what is truly in the long-term interest of football? If that discussion is open, transparent and inclusive, football will emerge stronger—whatever the final model may be."

Other confederations speak out

UEFA is not the only body to respond. CONCACAF held an emergency meeting early on Thursday afternoon after issuing a statement criticising FIFA’s lack of 'good governance'.

The Asian Football Federation also voiced concern over what it sees as a lack of transparency from FIFA:

"The AFC is deeply concerned that FIFA's unilateral actions appear to undermine the very foundations of continental football, which are based on solidarity, cooperation and transparency," it said.