The decision has been made.
All 55 of the countries that represent UEFA (the Union of European Football Associations) have voted unanimously to boycott the World Cup amid plans from FIFA president Gianni Infantino to sell shares in the tournament to private investors.
The news was broken first by The Times’ sport chief Martyn Ziegler, who took to X to reveal: “UEFA countries unanimously in support of boycotting World Cup in protest at FIFA’s plan to sell stakes in tournament to private investors, say sources.
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“Decision taken at emergency virtual meeting.”
Amongst the list of included nations are England who, as a voting member, have chosen to miss the next edition of the World Cup, should FIFA choose not to backtrack on their plans.
The decision comes days after UEFA had made a scathing statement in the direction of the FIFA leadership.
It read: “We have learned of FIFA’s deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn.
“This says everything you need to know about this plan.
“But having held discussions with many stakeholders across the game, UEFA knows there is significant and growing opposition to FIFA’s scheme.
“FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends. We can grow the game correctly. It’s time to prioritise associations, clubs, leagues, players and fans.”
Which countries are confirmed to be boycotting the World Cup?
Albania
Andorra
Armenia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Belarus
Belgium
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Bulgaria
Croatia
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
England
Estonia
Faroe Islands
Finland
France
Georgia
Germany
Gibraltar
Greece
Hungary
Iceland
Israel
Italy
Kazakhstan
Kosovo
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Moldova
Montenegro
Netherlands
North Macedonia
Northern Ireland
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Republic of Ireland
Romania
Russia
San Marino
Scotland
Serbia
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Ukraine
Wales
