‘A [World Cup] without Europeans is worthless’— Uli Hoeneß talks up Europe’s ability to fight back against Infantino’s World Cup investors plan

ROTTACH-EGERN, GERMANY - JULY 30: Uli Hoeness, Honorary President of FC Bayern München looks on during the pre-season friendly match between FC Rottach-Egern and FC Bayern München at Stadion am Birkenmoos on July 30, 2026 in Rottach-Egern, Germany. (Photo by Alexander Hassenstein/Getty Images) | Get

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What is the story about?

Following shortly after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced a plan to sell off stakes of future tournaments to private investors and set a deadline of September 19 for all countries to agree. UEFA subsequently called an emergency meeting and made its’ opposition to and plan to boycott this plan very clear.

Given this continues to be a very topical talking point and everybody knows Uli Hoeneß is eternally eager to make his opinion known, Bayern Munich’s honorary president

was asked about the planned boycott.

“Personally, I don’t think the Europeans realize how strong they actually are. A competition without Europeans is worthless,” Hoeneß stated (as captured by @iMiaSanMia). “If the Europeans are truly united and work consistently towards this goal, Mr. Infantino won’t get away with this plan. If he wants Fiji against Cape Verde at the World Cup, then he can have it.”

BFW Analysis

Having just overseen a World Cup in which many money grubbing moves (dynamic ticket pricing, hydration breaks implemented to sell ad time, expanded tournament for more games) were begrudgingly accepted by the majority of fans, Infantino has become too confident and completely overstepped the bounds of what can be accepted.

The Swiss business man will now have to tread carefully as opposition to his plan continues to grow as quickly as the calls for his resignation. Just how badly will this backfire?