UEFA has strongly opposed FIFA’s plan to sell ownership stakes in its international competitions to private investors, warning it will boycott all FIFA tournaments if the proposal remains in place. The report, published on July 31, 2026, said CONCACAF, the football body for North and Central America, has also backed Europe’s position.

UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin said football is not a product for sale. UEFA described FIFA’s move as undemocratic and as a system of rule through intimidation. The dispute could create major uncertainty over the participation of European teams in FIFA competitions if it continues.

The Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland in September and the Under-17 Men’s World Cup in Qatar in November could face serious disruption. Major European teams including Spain, France, Italy and England were expected to take part in those events. If the conflict is not resolved over the longer term, the future of the 2027 Women’s World Cup and the main 2030 World Cup could also fall into deep uncertainty.