The 2030 World Cup may be missing many of soccer's global powerhouses, with UEFA's announcement that it will be boycotting FIFA.FIFA, the sport's global governing body, recently published proposed details of a company titled FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) that would allow private investors to buy shares in the World Cup.FFE is being formed to run the governing body's commercial rights and event operations, and the infusion of private capital into FIFA and all of its competitions, including the World Cup.
This would not be in the sport's best interest according to UEFA, European soccer’s 55-member governing body.UEFA released a statement on Thursday bluntly explaining that its national associations will not participate in FIFA competitions.The decision comes on the heels of FIFA sending letters or proposals to its 211 member nations with a deadline of Sept.19 for member associations to get on board, with 75% support needed to change bylaws.
FIFA states that it would remain a not-for-profit organization – as it is recognized in Switzerland – while FFE would be a controlled commercial subsidiary.FIFA President Gianni Infantino, US President Donald Trump at the award ceremony after the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final during the World Cup match between Spain v Argentina at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford United States (Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)FIFA EYES WORLD CUP FORMAT EXPANSION FROM 48 TO 64 TEAMS: SHOULD THE US BE THE PERMANENT HOST?FIFA president Gianni Infantino explained that private capital infusion would see members receive $10 billion in total funds, which equates to approximately $40 million per association.Infantino is also promising smaller federations would see development payouts go from $8 million to $20 million through 2030.UEFA and its 55 member associations "unanimously and unequivocally reject" FIFA's proposal."The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product.
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