By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
The 55 European football member associations of UEFA have voted to boycott the Men’s and Women’s World Cups if FIFA goes ahead with its plan to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors.
This decision was the outcome of an emergency virtual meeting, which was held by UEFA on 30 July 2026 to discuss the FIFA plan.
UEFA stated as follows:
"The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product."
And added that:
"It is one of football's greatest sporting legacies. It has been built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale."
The first time that this stance taken by UEFA will be tested will be in October of this year, when the Women's World Cup play-offs are due to be held.
It will be interesting to see what happens next in this controversial affair!
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘