European soccer body UEFA has announced it will boycott FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, if FIFA proceeds with its controversial plan to sell a stake in its commercial business to private investors. UEFA, representing 55 of FIFA’s 211 members, condemned the proposal as "irresponsible and indefensible," criticizing FIFA leadership for not consulting member associations before advancing the deal. The proposed plan involves selling 20% ownership in a new entity called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would control commercial and event operations.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino introduced the plan which aims to raise up to $4.2 billion from private investors. Among the expected lead investors is Thrive Eternal, a private equity firm founded by Joshua Kushner, linked to the Trump family due to Kushner’s brother-in-law Jared Kushner. This move has generated backlash across the soccer world, fueling concerns over governance and transparency. UEFA stated that no national teams under its jurisdiction will participate in FIFA competitions while this deal remains on the table.

North American soccer body Concacaf has also voiced opposition to FIFA’s plan following an emergency meeting with its 41 member associations. The organization called for improved governance and transparency in response to FIFA's announcement. Meanwhile, Infantino has defended the proposal as an optional opportunity designed to accelerate the global growth of soccer, insisting that members can choose whether to opt in without obligation.

The escalating dispute highlights tensions over the role of private equity and commercial interests in the governance of international soccer. UEFA’s threat to boycott FIFA events signals a significant rift within the sport’s global administration, with key stakeholders demanding assurances that control of the game remains with the associations rather than investors seeking financial returns. The situation is ongoing as FIFA attempts to navigate the fallout from this divisive strategy.