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Key points
- Fifty-five UEFA associations unanimously backed a boycott of the World Cup and FIFA’s other competitions over its commercial plan.
- AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said FIFA’s failure to consult the confederation before announcing the proposal was unacceptable.
- FIFA proposes a $20 billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, with outside investors holding a minority stake without control.
- The proposed company would manage FIFA income rights linked to broadcasting, sponsorship, tickets, licensing and World Cup agreements.
- FIFA projects the arrangement could raise $4.2 billion and support $10 billion in development from 2027; rejection would leave a $2.7 billion forecast.
- German football association President Bernd Neuendorf said the project could not proceed without UEFA’s approval.
How the story developed
A living timeline
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Latest development
UEFA’s 55 members unanimously approved a boycott of FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, over FIFA’s proposed investment structure.
Latest development
UEFA’s 55 associations approved a boycott of FIFA competitions in opposition to the proposed investor-backed subsidiary.
Latest development
German football officials and leading clubs have criticized FIFA’s plan to offer a World Cup stake to private investors, with UEFA’s position expected to be decisive.
Latest development
UEFA’s 55 member associations agreed Thursday to boycott FIFA competitions in opposition to the proposed sale of World Cup-related stakes to private investors.
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