UEFA Criticizes FIFA President Infantino Amid Investment Plan Controversy

UEFA's Stance on FIFA's Abandoned Investment Plans

On August 1, 2026, the UEFA expressed its approval of FIFA's decision to retract its controversial plans for private investment in its competitions, including the World Cup, while simultaneously launching a direct attack on FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

In a statement released on Saturday, UEFA stated, "The UEFA welcomes the decision of FIFA to withdraw its plan to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors." The organization accused Infantino of orchestrating a "shabby and opaque deal."

FIFA announced early Saturday morning that it would abandon its contentious investment strategy, a move that came in response to mounting opposition that had intensified over recent days.

Call for Accountability

In its statement, UEFA demanded significant reforms within FIFA, emphasizing, "This cannot continue—secret initiatives pushed forward hastily by anonymous actors, with their benefits to football being highly questionable. We must identify those responsible and hold them accountable."

The statement seemed to target Infantino directly, who had attempted to push the plan through without adequate consultation. Key associates, including FIFA’s operations director Kevin Lamour and senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro, had distanced themselves from him amid the backlash. The statement noted, "The current FIFA leadership has not only lost UEFA's trust but also that of many other members of the international football community."

Infantino's Broken Promises

Additionally, Infantino accused UEFA of violating two of his election promises: transparency and the use of FIFA funds for the betterment and development of football. The UEFA responded, asserting, "Both promises have not been fulfilled. The shabby, behind-closed-doors negotiated and opaque deal he attempted to enforce was anything but transparent. And despite reserves exceeding five billion dollars, he failed to utilize the funds for the benefit of the associations and football as a whole."

The CONCACAF, representing North and Central America and the Caribbean, called for a comprehensive review of Infantino's presidency, stating that the idea of selling World Cup stakes was symptomatic of leadership that no longer prioritizes football.

Unity Among UEFA Members

DFB President Bernd Neuendorf echoed UEFA's sentiments regarding Infantino's retreat, stating, "This step by FIFA is inevitable. The attempt to open FIFA competitions to private investors has failed spectacularly, thanks in part to the united front presented by all UEFA member associations."

Neuendorf also stressed the need for a thorough investigation into the project initiated by Infantino, declaring, "The FIFA president has acted unilaterally, opaquely, and ultimately irresponsibly in the interest of football. We must work together with UEFA and other confederations to ensure a fundamentally different culture at FIFA—a culture where decisions are discussed and made by the members in the committees."

A New Approach to Funding Distribution

UEFA announced plans to collaborate with its member associations and other confederations in the coming days and weeks to ensure that such occurrences do not happen again, stating, "No option should be ruled out." This statement can also be interpreted as a direct challenge to Infantino.

Furthermore, UEFA called for structural changes, indicating, "UEFA will immediately work with its partners and other stakeholders worldwide and from all areas of football to propose a new approach to the distribution of funding under the existing FIFA Forward Program."

Background on the Investment Plans

On July 28, 2026, FIFA revealed its intention to establish a company that would consolidate all commercial activities and tournament organization for the organization. The proposed entity, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), aimed to attract private investors to generate billions more than currently achieved.

Infantino had set a deadline of September 19 for member associations to approve the plan, enticing them with substantial sums and the possibility of an expanded World Cup.

UEFA's Threat of Boycott

On Thursday, UEFA threatened to boycott all FIFA tournaments if Infantino proceeded with his investment deal. "No national teams from UEFA will participate in any FIFA competition as long as these proposals remain in place," UEFA stated following an emergency meeting. This resistance was supported by CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).