A possible boycott by UEFA countries for the 2030 World Cup is on the table if FIFA boss Gianni Infantino pushed through his plans to sell shares to private investors.
Sky Sports reported this, adding that this will be discussed in an online meeting next week.
A bombshell exploded on Tuesday, July 28, when it was announced that FIFA boss Infantino might attempt to sell €17.5 billion in World Cup interests so that FIFA could profit optimally from last summer’s highly lucrative World Cup.
UEFA reacted immediately and furiously in a statement to the possible plans, but is now possibly also considering a boycott.
‘The UEFA countries are expected to hold a virtual emergency meeting this week,’ Sky Sports reported.
Sources confirmed to the English media outlet that a possible boycott of the upcoming World Cup will be up for discussion if FIFA President Infantino went ahead with his plans.
The 2030 World Cup will be held in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, with the opening matches played in Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay.
The newly appointed Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, Andy Burnham, has also spoken out.
In a statement on X, he too lashed out. ‘Let me make this very clear. Football does not belong to investors. It belongs to the people who fill the stands and stand on the sidelines week in, week out, rain or shine.
“The World Cup is not a product. It is the biggest tournament in global sport, and it was never for anyone to sell. You can package the deal however you want: as soon as you sell a part of it, you sell your soul.
“Football belongs to the fans. That has always been the case and that will always remain so.”
