European nations are reportedly planning to boycott the World Cup if FIFA proceeds with its plans to sell a stake in the global football governing body to private investors linked to United States President Donald Trump. 

In a statement on Tuesday, FIFA confirmed that it was exploring a proposal that will “invite third parties to make minority, non-controlling investments” in a new subsidiary – FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) – to “consolidate” its commercial and event operations.

FIFA noted that the proposal, which it said would bring more than $15 billion in additional “football development funding”, still needs to be approved by the 211 association members of the organisation. 

If approved, FIFA revealed that Thrive Eternal, owned by Joshua Kushner, the brother of U.S. President Trump’s son-in-law Jared, is expected to lead the proposed investor group for FFE.

In response to the development, first reported by The Times, UEFA firmly rejected FIFA’s plan to sell part of the organisation, warning that the proposal crosses football lines. 

“This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. 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,” UEFA said. 

Furthermore, Sky News reported that UEFA has summoned an emergency meeting scheduled for later this week to discuss their opposition to the announcement. 

United Kingdom Prime Minister Andy Burnham has also spoken against the plan, stating that football does not belong to investors but fans who are filling the stadium. 

“Let me say this very directly. 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,” Mr Burnham posted on X. 

“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.”