UEFA has issued a stark ultimatum to FIFA, warning that all 55 of its member associations will boycott the World Cup if the global governing body proceeds with its plan to partially privatize the tournament's commercial rights.
The European football union is demanding that FIFA abandon the proposal to sell a 20% stake in the event's revenue streams, marking a significant escalation in the ongoing power struggle between the two organizations.
The threat of a boycott poses a severe risk to the commercial viability of the World Cup, which relies heavily on the participation of Europe's top national teams and clubs.
A withdrawal of European teams would drastically reduce the tournament's global appeal, potentially undermining its value as a premium advertising and broadcasting product.
Investors and rights holders are now facing heightened uncertainty regarding the stability of football's most lucrative intellectual property.
This development follows weeks of tension between UEFA and FIFA over governance and revenue distribution.