Topline
The 55 member associations of UEFA, Europe’s governing body for soccer, have unanimously decided to boycott FIFA after an emergency meeting. This decision comes in response to FIFA’s plans to sell minority stakes in its World Cup tournament.
Key Facts
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Boycott Announcement: UEFA stated that no teams from its member associations will participate in any FIFA tournaments, including the men’s and women’s World Cups and the Club World Cup, as long as the current proposals stand.
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Conditions for Ending Boycott: The boycott will continue until FIFA abandons the proposal completely and provides binding assurances against pursuing private ownership in the future.
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FIFA’s Plan Details: FIFA president Gianni Infantino is advocating for the sale of about 20% stakes in a new commercial venture controlled by FIFA, a move criticized due to Infantino’s perceived proximity to former President Donald Trump.
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Investment Advisory: FIFA is advised by JPMorgan, with a fund from Josh Kushner’s Thrive Capital as the lead investor. Josh Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump.
This is a developing story and updates will follow.
