European football is threatening to plunge the World Cup into unprecedented chaos after nations discussed the possibility of boycotting FIFA's flagship tournament amid an explosive row over Gianni Infantino's controversial plans to open the governing body to private investment.
Senior UEFA members are expected to hold emergency talks this week after learning more details of a proposal that would see FIFA create a new commercial company valued at around $20billion (£15bn), with more than 20 per cent of the business sold to outside investors.
The move has triggered outrage across Europe, with football officials believing the sport's governing body is attempting to commercialise assets that should never be placed in private hands.
According to Sky News, there is growing willingness among European associations to consider the ultimate sanction if Infantino refuses to abandon the proposal.
While no formal decision has been taken, the prospect of a World Cup boycott is now believed to have entered discussions.
The first tournament potentially affected would be the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.
Tensions have escalated after FIFA confirmed plans for the new FIFA Forward Enterprise, which would seek to raise approximately $4.2bn (£3.16bn) by selling a stake in the commercial vehicle.
It is said several leading football associations, including the Football Association, had no prior knowledge of the strategy before FIFA's announcement earlier this week.
The timing has only intensified frustrations, with FIFA reportedly failing to discuss the proposal during meetings held with national associations in New York before the recent World Cup final.
UEFA responded with a blistering statement accusing FIFA of crossing a dangerous line.
"This crosses a line that football's governing institutions should never cross," UEFA said.
"So should every National Football Association.
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"So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game.
"The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade - especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially.
"None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA's to sell."
The latest dispute marks another chapter in the deteriorating relationship between UEFA and Infantino.
European football previously threatened to boycott FIFA's proposed biennial World Cup in 2021 before those plans were ultimately abandoned.
Relations have also been strained by disagreements over player eligibility, scheduling and FIFA's leadership, with UEFA previously criticising Infantino over governance issues and accusing him of prioritising political interests.
FIFA insists the investment proposal is designed to generate significantly greater funding for its 211 member associations.
Under the plan, financial support between 2027 and 2030 would increase from $8million to $20million for infrastructure, grassroots football, coaching, competitions and national teams.
Infantino defended the strategy, saying: "Our next stage of growth needs a structure built for it, one where the commercial side of the game operates as a focused, dedicated business, with its value shared more and better all around the world.
"Every FIFA Member Association should have an opportunity to seek a fair share of the available funding to shape its own future, deciding for itself rather than relying on others. This is about the democratisation of football worldwide."
However, the proposal has attracted political criticism beyond football.
Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham wrote on X: "The World Cup is not a product. It is the greatest competition in world sport, and it was never anyone's to sell. Dress the deal up however you like. Once you have sold a piece of it, you have sold out."
Despite UEFA's opposition, FIFA requires backing from a majority of its 211 member associations rather than unanimous support.
Yet Europe's influence remains considerable, with many of the world's strongest national teams competing under the UEFA banner, giving any boycott threat significant weight as football braces for a potentially defining power struggle.
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