- by croatiaweek
- July 30, 2026
-
in
Sport
Luka Modrić (Photo: Bryan Berlin / WikiPortraits ) World Cup (Photo: White House/Public domain)
ZAGREB, 30 July 2026 – Croatia could refuse to take part in future FIFA competitions, including the FIFA World Cup, after UEFA and all 55 of its member associations unanimously rejected a controversial proposal that could allow private investors to acquire ownership interests in football’s biggest tournaments.
The warning follows discussions between UEFA and its national football associations after FIFA revealed plans to establish a new commercial subsidiary responsible for managing its competitions. According to FIFA, the company would remain under its control but could later sell a significant ownership stake to outside investors.
FIFA says the proposal, known as the Forward Enterprise project, would generate substantial new revenue, with each of its 211 member associations potentially receiving around US$40 million if the plan is approved by both the FIFA Council and a majority of members.
However, the proposal has met fierce resistance across Europe.
Following a meeting of its member associations, UEFA announced that every national association, including the Croatian Football Federation, had agreed on a united position. UEFA stated that none of its national teams would participate in FIFA competitions while the proposal remains under consideration unless it is completely withdrawn and FIFA provides binding guarantees that its competitions will never be opened to private ownership.
UEFA argued that the World Cup is a global sporting legacy that should remain under the stewardship of football rather than becoming an asset for investors. It also criticised the way the proposal was developed, claiming such a significant change had been prepared without meaningful consultation with the organisations responsible for the game across Europe.
The European governing body warned that introducing private investors into FIFA competitions could permanently change how international football is run. It said future decisions on tournament formats, scheduling and the international calendar could become increasingly influenced by commercial returns rather than the long-term interests of players, supporters, clubs and national associations.
UEFA described its position as unanimous and said European football would oppose the proposal with “absolute determination”. It added that football’s premier international competitions should not be treated as commercial assets available for sale.
The united stance from UEFA, representing some of the world’s strongest football nations, is expected to place significant pressure on FIFA. With Europe threatening to withdraw from FIFA competitions if the proposal proceeds, many observers believe the plan could struggle to secure the support needed to become reality.
Statement on behalf of UEFA and its 55 National Associations
— UEFA (@UEFA) July 30, 2026
For Croatia, any boycott would mean the national team joining the rest of Europe in refusing to compete in FIFA tournaments unless the proposal is abandoned.
