FIFA and UEFA clash over World Cup investment plan as boycott threat emerges

FIFA has moved into open conflict with UEFA over a new investment initiative led by its president, Gianni Infantino. The plan would create a commercial entity called FIFA Forward Enterprise, transferring broadcasting, sponsorship and ticketing rights along with operational management of some major tournaments to the new structure. According to the proposal, the entity would be valued at around $20 billion, with FIFA retaining a majority stake while raising roughly $4.2 billion from outside investors. FIFA said the funds would lift development support to national federations to as much as $10 billion over four years. UEFA described the project as a breach of red lines and declared that football's core values are not for sale. It called on clubs, players, fans and governments to oppose the plan. European federations are preparing an extraordinary meeting to agree on a common position, with a potential boycott of the World Cup on the table if FIFA presses ahead. FIFA responded that the investment would flow to a subsidiary rather than directly into the governing body, and that authority over sporting decisions would remain unaffected. JPMorgan is advising on the project, and Thrive Capital has been reported among potential investors.