Baku: UEFA nations have announced a boycott of both the men's and women's World Cup as a protest against FIFA's proposed investment plan. The plan involves creating a new commercial enterprise that would seek external funding in exchange for a minority stake, a move that has faced significant opposition from various factions within the football community.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, UEFA and its 55 member associations have issued a statement declaring their unified stance against FIFA's proposal. The statement emphasized that UEFA is unequivocally rejecting the plan to transfer ownership interests in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors. It further stated that UEFA nations would refrain from participating in FIFA tournaments until there is a contractual agreement from FIFA to withdraw the proposal permanently.

The statement highlighted that UEFA's national teams would not engage in any FIFA competitions as long as the current proposals persist unless the plan is completely abandoned and binding assurances are provided that FIFA will never consider private ownership for its governance or competitions again.

UEFA's declaration underscores a collective determination to oppose these plans, demonstrating the organization's firm commitment to maintaining the integrity and ownership structure of international football competitions.