Rabat – FIFA has addressed the possibility of a boycott by European nations while responding to media outlets about its consultation process regarding the controversial plan to sell shares in the World Cup to a US private investment company.
Many criticized and accused FIFA of selling football and using it for commercial benefits.
“The FIFA World Cup is not for sale, and nor is any part of FIFA’s governance of the game,” responded FIFA in a statement.
FIFA claimed that the goal is to unlock more value for reinvestment in the game and not to change football’s nature or value.
“FIFA is proposing a FIFA-owned and controlled commercial subsidiary to bring dedicated commercial expertise and long-term capital to its existing rights and events,” the statement added.
“The game fans watch, and love, won’t change; FIFA will continue to govern football, and the flagship tournaments it organises will always remain.”
FIFA stated that while every member has the right to voice concerns and request additional information, no single organisation can claim to speak on behalf of all 211 Member Associations (MAs).
It emphasised that each association should have the opportunity to examine the proposal independently and contribute to decisions affecting its future, describing this as a reflection of FIFA’s democratic values.
FIFA noted that participating members could choose to approve, reject, or propose amendments to the proposals, either as a whole or on an individual basis.
“This has not been set up already. The consultation process launched on Thursday 28 July 2026 will continue with further details being shared with member associations and the idea council.”
“The new structure will only proceed if a majority of MAs support it and the council approves”.
