Tensions between football’s governing bodies have intensified after UEFA warned it may boycott future FIFA competitions if plans to sell a minority commercial stake in the FIFA World Cup move forward.

The proposal, backed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, aims to attract external investment while allowing FIFA to retain full control of the tournament’s governance. UEFA, however, has raised concerns that bringing private investors into the World Cup’s commercial structure could undermine the competition’s long-term independence and priorities.

Sources say several senior European football officials believe the move could put commercial interests ahead of the sporting integrity that has long defined the tournament. UEFA has urged FIFA to hold broader consultations before making a final decision.

While no formal boycott has been announced, the prospect has highlighted growing divisions between the two organisations over the future direction of the global game.

FIFA has maintained that any investment model would be carefully regulated, insisting that governance and sporting decisions would remain entirely under its control while generating additional revenue to develop football worldwide.