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

Real Madrid have praised UEFA for helping protect football "at a decisive moment" after FIFA abandoned plans to sell stakes in a World Cup company to private investors.

The Asian Football Confederation has joined the North, Central America and Caribbean football association and UEFA in opposition to FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors.

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,

Brazilian criticism has focused on CONMEBOL’s refusal to join UEFA’s challenge to Gianni Infantino. However, claims that the South American confederation remained completely silent over FIFA Forward Enterprise are inaccurate.

FIFA said on Friday it will not proceed with its proposal to sell a piece of its business empire to outside investors after the project was met with fierce resistance from some of its member associations.

UEFA president Alexander Ceferin has urged European nations to revoke their support for Gianni Infantino amid rising pressure on his position. Fifa president Infantino is facing calls to resign

FIFA is scrapping its plan to sell a minority stake of its organization after criticism from fans and partner leagues including UEFA and Concacaf.