UEFA, representing European football's 55 member associations, has threatened to boycott all FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, if FIFA proceeds with plans to sell stakes in its events to private investors. The proposal, announced by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, involves creating a commercial subsidiary, Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE), where external investors could acquire minority stakes. UEFA has vehemently opposed this, stating, "The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product" and "No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors."

Infantino's plan requires approval from FIFA's 211 member associations. He has offered $40 million to those who back the proposal, with an initial $20 million deadline by September 19th. The plan specifies that an American venture capital firm, Thrive Eternal, founded by Joshua Kushner, is expected to lead the investor group. UEFA has criticized the secrecy surrounding the proposal, calling it "irresponsible and indefensible" and a "profound failure of leadership."

While UEFA constitutes only a quarter of FIFA's membership, it includes many of the world's most successful footballing nations, significantly impacting the potential boycott's effectiveness.