FA 'deeply concerned' by Gianni Infantino's World Cup investment plans, UEFA to discuss potential FIFA boycott in emergency meeting
Updated 29/07/2026 at 10:26 GMT+1
React to this story
The Football Association said it is "deeply concerned" about FIFA's plans to allow private investment in major competitions, including the World Cup. UEFA, meanwhile, is set to hold an emergency meeting with its 55 member associations later this week to discuss potential action.
Hydration breaks 'not about money', insists Infantino
Video credit: SNTV
In a press release on Tuesday, FIFA announced that they plan to "increase funding per FIFA Member Association from USD 8 million to USD 20 million for the 2027-30 cycle."
UEFA heavily criticised a scheme that could reportedly see FIFA president Gianni Infantino move into a lucrative new commissioner role from 2031.
FIFA said that the raise would help "support infrastructure, coaching, national teams, competitions, grassroots football and the women’s game."
FIFA added that a consultation process has begun following receipt of a proposal "that aims to unlock the full potential of FIFA’s broadcast rights and sponsorships across all of its tournament portfolio in men’s, women’s and youth football."
However, a report in The Times suggested that Infantino is looking to sell stakes in the World Cup and Club World Cup, which could lead to a company being formed to control the men's and women's competitions.
The same report writes that "figures close to US President Donald Trump" have been approached about the plan.
Should the proposal progress, it could result in the World Cup being overseen by a company outside of FIFA.
The FA, in response to FIFA's proposal, released a statement on Wednesday, which read: "We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached.
"Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved.
"When the proposal is shared in the full and transparent way now promised by FIFA, we will make our views clear, and comment further."
/origin-imgresizer.tntsports.io/2026/06/10/image-f9d7326c-5516-415a-9898-e0e3bbccb04f-85-2560-1440.jpeg)
'It's not easy' - Infantino addresses Iran, ticket prices and blocked referee
Video credit: SNTV
According to reports, UEFA will hold a virtual meeting as its members look to agree on a plan of action.
One solution could be to threaten a boycott of FIFA competitions, which may prove a deterrent for Infantino.
The World Cup would inevitably lose much of its appeal without the involvement of European teams, with 2026 winners Spain one of six sides from the continent that made up the last eight.
But it remains to be seen if UEFA will take such drastic measures.
The plans in question have drawn widespread criticism, with UEFA acting quickly to issue a statement objecting to the scheme.
FIFA plans 'cross a line'
"This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross," European football's governing body said in a statement.
"UEFA takes it extremely seriously. So should every National Football Association. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game.
"The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade - especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially.
"None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell."
- Mancini appointed Italy head coach for second time
- Zidane reveals he turned down several club offers for 'dream' France job
Infantino has since responded to UEFA's criticism, stating: "Our next stage of growth needs a structure built for it, one where the commercial side of the game operates as a focused, dedicated business, with its value shared more and better all around the world.
"Every FIFA Member Association should have an opportunity to seek a fair share of the available funding to shape its own future, deciding for itself rather than relying on others. This is about the democratisation of football worldwide."
Infantino, 56, is set to stand for re-election as president next year for a fourth, and final, four-year term, having received the formal endorsement from more than 200 FIFA members.
But The Times report claims that Infantino is being "lined up" to run the proposed new company as its commissioner once his presidential term expires in 2031, meaning he will be in line to inherit a lucrative new role.
'Football belongs to the fans'
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham has weighed in on Infantino's proposal, stating that the FIFA World Cup is 'not a product' and that football has never been 'anyone's to sell'.
"Let me say this very directly," Burnham began in a post on X.
"Football does not belong to investors. It belongs to the people who fill the stands and who stand on the touchline week in, week out, rain or shine.
"The World Cup is not a product. It is the greatest competition in world sport, and it was never anyone's to sell. Dress the deal up however you like. Once you have sold a piece of it, you have sold out.
"Football belongs to the fans. It always has, and it always will."
Reports elsewhere also suggest that European nations are prepared to boycott the FIFA World Cup should FIFA push ahead with plans to sell off to private investors.
The next FIFA competition is the 2027 Women's World Cup, which takes place in Brazil.
Add TNT Sports as a preferred source here to enjoy more content like this.
Watch and stream the Premier League, men’s and women’s FA Cups, UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Conference League and more live on TNT Sports and HBO Max
Related Topics
Advertisement
Advertisement