BREAKING: European nations agree to boycott World Cup

UEFA nations have reached an agreement to boycott FIFA competitions, notably including the World Cup, as a result of plans to sell stakes in the tournament to private investors.

A virtual meeting between the 55 member nations of European football took place on Thursday afternoon to discuss FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s controversial proposal.

The Athletic, The Times and others now report that an agreement was reached at the emergency meeting to support a World Cup boycott in protest at the plans.

The next tournament this would impact would be the Women’s World Cup in Brazil next summer, with the next men’s edition taking place in 2030 in Spain, Portugal and Morocco (in addition to centenary fixtures in South America).

FIFA confirmed plans to sell a significant stake in a new entity known as FIFA Forward Enterprises to take over the running of its major events like the World Cup and Club World Cup.

FIFA are seeking to sell a minority 21% stake in FFE, seeking to raise £3.2bn), with money then set to be shared among member associations.

This proposal must be approved by FIFA’s 211 member associations as well as the FIFA Council.