UEFA announces that it will boycott FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, if FIFA proceeds with proposals promoted by FIFA president Gianni Infantino to sell stakes and open commercial rights to private investors. Multiple outlets report that UEFA’s 55 member associations reach a unanimous decision after an emergency or virtual meeting focused on FIFA’s privatisation plans. European federations present their opposition to the investment and private equity approach, and some officials also press for accountability and question leadership behind the proposals.

The threat is framed as a protest against FIFA’s plan to bring private equity into the management and commercial structure of FIFA competitions. In response, at least one outlet reports that FIFA later reverses part of the proposal—UEFA welcomes that reversal while still calling for review and accountability, including that “no option should be off the table.” Overall, the developments centre on negotiations and potential governance changes around FIFA’s commercial rights and how UEFA and its member federations intend to respond if FIFA’s reform plans move forward.