"The World Cup is not for sale․" - UEFA's official statement

UEFA and its member associations will not participate in FIFA competitions until FIFA reviews its decision. UEFA has issued an official statement on this today.

According to the statement, UEFA and all its 55 member associations stand united, unanimously rejecting FIFA's proposal to transfer the ownership interests of the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors. "As long as this proposal is not entirely abandoned, no European national team will participate in any FIFA competition," the statement reads.

The statement released by UEFA highlights the following key points:

The World Cup is not for sale. It is a supreme football legacy built over decades by players, national teams, and supporters. It cannot be treated as a commercial or investment product.

FIFA developed this project in secret, without any meaningful consultation with the football community, leagues, and associations. UEFA characterizes this as outright pressure, coercion, and a failure of leadership.

With the emergence of private investors, football will change forever. All major decisions - from match calendars to tournament formats - will no longer be made for the development of the sport, but to maximize the financial profit of shareholders.

"UEFA and its member associations are determined to protect the interests of world football and will not allow the future of the sport to be jeopardized for financial gain. The World Cup belongs to football, and Europe will not allow it to be sold," the statement concludes.