The recently concluded 2026 World Cup was without its fair share of controversies, and most of it can be traced back to FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The Swiss executive recently announced plans to sell stakes off to private investors and set a deadline of September 19 for all countries to agree. UEFA promptly called an emergency meeting and decided that all 55 member associations will boycott the World Cup (and presumably any other FIFA competition or activity):
This is a massive decision that will definitely throw a spanner in the works for Infantino’s cash-grabbing scheme. Most of the heavyweights are part of the 55 and it could (hopefully) force Infantino to abandon the idea altogether. Infantino also said that those who agree to it will get a massive cash injection, and those who don’t won’t get as big a cut.
The protest sort of mirrors the backlash that the European Super League created back in 2021, which was highly unpopular with the football faithful.
Germany famously objected to signing a letter supporting Infantino who intends to seek another term as president of football’s governing body, signifying that the federation has zero intention to partake in anything that involves Infantino and/or FIFA.
Globalization is an ongoing phenomenon and football is no exception, but it should not come at the cost of the soul of the sport.
Join the conversation!
Sign up for a user account and get:
- New, improved notifications system!
- Fewer ads
- Create community posts
- Comment on articles, community posts
- Rec comments, community posts
