European soccer teams vote to boycott World Cups over controversial FIFA investment plan

The continent’s club and national squads carry massive weight in world soccer. The boycott would have a seismic impact on future competitions. Here's the latest

• UEFA boycotts the World Cup: European soccer governing body UEFA has voted to boycott future men’s and women’s World Cups in reaction to FIFA’s plan to inject private money into its competitions. “The World Cup is not for sale,” UEFA said. Six of the current top 10 squads in the FIFA rankings are European teams. • What’s in the plan: FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed the creation of a $20 billion company running major tournaments with private investors. UEFA called an emergency meeting and issued blistering statements in an escalating row over the scheme, saying there was “zero transparency as to who gains financially.” • Kushner family backing: FIFA is working with JP Morgan on the commercial subsidiary, which would be called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). Intended investors include Thrive Eternal, founded by Joshua Kushner, whose brother Jared Kushner is a son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.