Fan Group and UEFA Nations Oppose FIFA’s World Cup Stake-Sale Proposal

On July 31, the non-profit fan network Football Supporters Europe (FSE) announced its opposition to FIFA’s proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup. FSE argued that the tournament’s value is generated by fans, players and other participants, not private investors. The group called for comprehensive reform of FIFA’s governance, emphasizing the need for transparent decision-making.

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All 55 UEFA member associations voted unanimously to boycott the World Cup and other FIFA competitions in response to the stake-sale plan. The Asian Football Confederation and the North American Soccer Confederation publicly expressed solidarity with the European boycott, indicating a broad coalition of national federations against the proposal.

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Amid the mounting criticism, FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s senior adviser, Carlos Cordeiro, resigned in protest of the stake-sale initiative. Cordeiro’s departure underscores the internal dissent the plan has generated within the sport’s governing body.

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The network’s demand for reform aligns with the broader call from UEFA and other confederations for greater transparency and stakeholder inclusion.

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• — Stuart Dykes, FSE’s director of European and Institutional Affairs.

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