The Football Association (FA) is facing increasing pressure to consider boycotting upcoming World Cup tournaments amid controversy surrounding plans by FIFA president Gianni Infantino to privatize stakes in the global event. Infantino revealed a proposal soon after the conclusion of the recent World Cup to sell ownership shares in a new entity, reportedly named FIFA Forward Enterprise, which would control the commercial rights of both the men's and women's tournaments. This plan involves private investors, including individuals linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump’s family.
The proposal has drawn criticism from England’s FA, several other football federations, and political figures. The scheme reportedly offers a financial package worth around $10 billion, with individual FIFA member associations eligible to receive approximately $40 million each if they support the deal within a 53-day deadline. Associations rejecting the plan would receive significantly less funding, estimated at $2.7 billion in total. Critics have labeled this approach as coercive and equated it to “bribery,” expressing concerns about governance, transparency, and the potential commercialization of the sport.
UEFA, representing 55 European nations, is scheduled to hold emergency virtual talks to discuss a collective response, including the possibility of boycotting future FIFA tournaments. Calls for a boycott would affect several upcoming events, including the next Women’s World Cup in 2027, the 2029 Club World Cup, and the 2030 men’s World Cup. Former FA chairman David Bernstein described the proposal as having a “stink” and urged European nations to withdraw from FIFA competitions to protect the sport’s integrity. Mark Palios, a former FA chief executive, emphasized the potential financial impact on FIFA should leading football nations such as England, Spain, France, and Germany abstain from participating.
Supporters of the boycott argue that FIFA’s push to privatize the World Cup rewards a small group of investors at the expense of the broader football community and fan base. Some fans have voiced strong opposition, citing exorbitant ticket prices and the risk of further commercial exploitation. Simon Harris, a supporter who attended matches in the United States during the recent tournament, described the proposed scheme as “destroying football” and called for UEFA to lead a mass walkout.
However, not all federations or members within UEFA share this view. The president of the Czech Republic’s football association reportedly showed openness toward the plan, indicating that unanimous support for a boycott may be challenging to secure. The FA itself has expressed serious concerns but said it awaits full disclosure of the proposal’s details from FIFA before taking a definitive stance. The association highlighted the lack of consultation and clarity surrounding the initiative and noted its commitment to governance and due process.
As tensions rise, the outcome of UEFA’s emergency meeting will likely shape the future relationship between European football and FIFA’s leadership. The controversy also comes at a sensitive time for England, which is expected to be confirmed as host of the 2035 Women’s World Cup later this year, further complicating the FA’s position on potential withdrawal from FIFA competitions.