Uefa has announced its intention to boycott the World Cup if proposals by Gianni Infantino to privatise Fifa competitions are voted through. The European football governing body confirmed its position following an emergency meeting held on Thursday.
A Uefa statement declared that "No Uefa national teams will participate in any Fifa competition for so long as these proposals remain alive, unless this proposal has been abandoned in its entirety and binding assurances have been given that Fifa will never again open its governance or competitions to private ownership."
The potential boycott could significantly alter future tournaments, including the 2030 World Cup, which is set to be co-hosted by Spain and Morocco. European teams have historically been strong contenders, with 16 of the 48 participating teams at this summer's World Cup coming from Europe. Five of the last seven World Cup winners since 1966 have also been European nations.
A World Cup without major European nations such as champions Spain, France, England, and Germany could impact Fifa's revenue goals. The Women's World Cup next year in Brazil would also be affected, as Spain are the reigning winners and England, runners-up in the 2023 World Cup, also bring significant commercial interest.