FFM: The World Cup Is Not for Sale — Europe Opposes Proposed Sale of Rights
FFM conveyed UEFA's consolidated position after today's emergency meeting, calling for football to remain outside private ownership.
30 July 2026 — After the urgent online meeting held today by UEFA member associations in response to reports of an alleged proposal from FIFA and its President Gianni Infantino to transfer part of the ownership rights of the World Cup to private investors, the Football Federation of North Macedonia (FFM) published a clear reaction and position.
FFM: The World Cup Is Not for Sale
In its reaction, the FFM conveys the consolidated position of the European associations and calls for the governance of competitions to remain in the hands of football organizations rather than private interests. The statement reads:
"UEFA and its 55 national associations stand united. We unanimously and unequivocally reject the FIFA proposal to transfer ownership stakes in the World Cup and other FIFA competitions to private investors."
The FFM emphasizes values higher than pure commercial interest: "The World Cup is a heritage, not an investment product" and succinctly and decisively: "The World Cup is not for sale."
The statement also expresses concern about the manner in which decisions were made: "It is irresponsible and unjustifiable for a proposal of such significance for global football to be prepared in secrecy and brought almost to the point of adoption without meaningful consultations with those entrusted to look after the future of the game." The FFM warns that introducing ownership stakes for investors could permanently change the character of the sport and place decisions under the dictates of shareholders' financial expectations.
As an ultimate measure, the FFM conveys the threats that emerged from today's discussion within UEFA: "As a result of today's discussion, no UEFA national team will participate in FIFA competitions while these proposals remain active, unless they are fully withdrawn and legally binding guarantees are provided that FIFA will never again open its governance or its competitions to private ownership."
The FFM concludes with an appeal and a firm message: "Let there be no doubt: UEFA and its national associations will oppose these plans with full determination." The statement calls for preserving the heritage and the interests of leagues, clubs, players and supporters as a priority over any attempt to sell parts of international competitions.
Photo: press material from the event
