Three confederations were hard against the idea. The other three didn't exactly voice support either.

European soccer governing body UEFA says it will boycott World Cup competitions over FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s plan to inject private money.

Opposition from three confederations prompted FIFA to drop the controversial proposal, dealing a significant setback to president Gianni Infantino, who is now fighting for his job.

North American, European and Asian soccer bodies on Thursday rejected FIFA president Gianni Infantino's plan to sell stakes in the World Cup.

This is an updated version of an article that first appeared on The Athletic in May 2025. For an insight into the one-upmanship between FIFA, the world football governing body, and UEFA, its European counterpart,

UEFA, European soccer’s 55-member governing body, is set to boycott the World Cup and all other FIFA-organized competitions in protest of a $20 billion Wall Street-style takeover of the global game, sources familiar with the matter told The Post.

UEFA and Concacaf's rejection of FIFA's plan to sell a 20% stake in the World Cup's commercial operations highlights uneasiness with private equity in sports.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino with President of the United States Donald J. Trump during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026,