European nations are considering a boycott of FIFA amidst the organisation’s plans to sell stakes in its major competitions to external investors.

Football’s world governing body is looking to create a commercial subsidiary that would take over running events like the World Cup and the Club World Cup.

This has raised concerns as significantly more influence could be handed to private investors. Whilst FIFA argues that the strategy could help the sport to grow globally, the fear is that both men’s and women’s competitions could be held more frequently with an increased number of participants. This could lead to further strain on an already overstuffed football calendar.

Why UEFA National Teams Could Boycott World Cup

REUTERS/Leah Millis

FIFA’s proposed commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), is at the centre of the controversy. FIFA intends to sell minority stakes in the commercial entity which would grant broadcasting, sponsorship, and operational rights to the governing body’s major international competitions, such as the World Cup. As well as growing the game globally, FIFA believes that the development would lead to greater funding opportunities for the 211 member associations under the governing body’s umbrella.

Whilst the stakes would be non-controlling, they would still be reducing FIFA’s level of influence over their own competitions. Joshua Kushner has already been identified as an investor candidate. Kushner, who would be investing in alignment with the bank JP Morgan, is the brother of US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared.

UEFA reacted quickly to initial reports on the subsidiary’s creation in the Times, criticising the strategy before FIFA could publish their own report outlining the plans for the venture. UEFA condemned the commercial entity, stating that FIFA had “crossed a line” and that “the soul and governance of football are not assets to trade.”

The emergency meeting to discuss FIFA’s plans is scheduled to take place virtually later this week.

UEFA Statement on FIFA Proposals

Image credit: REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

UEFA’s condemnatory statement in full:

CONCACAF, representing the governing body of North and Central American and Caribbean football, published its own statement highlighting its own “disappointment” at FIFA’s proposal.

Concacaf were “deeply concerned by the lack of due process” and reminded FIFA that “as leaders within football, we are the custodians of the game. Collectively, FIFA, the Confederations and every Member Association have a responsibility to always act in the best interests of the sport.”

How A Boycott Would Work

REUTERS/Benoit Tessier

The mechanics of a UEFA boycott would require a unified vote from its 55 member associations or a collective refusal by several European football associations to take part in World Cup qualifying.

And whilst FIFA is not expected to back down from the venture in the same manner as the widely-panned European Super League in 2021, they will be aware of the competitive depth that the European nations bring to international tournaments – of the 2026 World Cup quarter-finalists, six of the eight teams were European, for example. A widespread European withdrawal would decimate the tournament’s value.

However, the financial risks are evident. Refusal to participate could result in financial sanctions from FIFA. The boycott would also put players in a difficult dilemma. Siding with UEFA risks disciplinary action, as well as potentially missing out on the major milestone of representing one’s nation at the World Cup.

From a historical perspective, should European nations refuse to participate in the World Cup, the long-standing traditional rivalries and prestige of the competition would cease to exist. Whilst FIFA’s eminence would also be tainted, the stand would have a detrimental effect on UEFA themselves.

FIFA shocked the footballing world when it emerged that it was planning a new commercial proposal that would see its major tournaments, such as the World Cup, made available for investment from private suitors.

As highlighted by its critics, the rollout of FIFA’s new commercial entity would have significant consequences for world football and its already overfull schedule.

Many of the world’s continental governing bodies and football associations have already reacted, but what exactly are the plans and why are they so controversial? GIVEMESPORT provides all the key details.

What is FIFA’s Plan?

REUTERS/Mike Segar

FIFA plans to create a new commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprises (FFE), that will take responsibility for its major international competitions, such as the World Cup and the Club World Cup.

By selling off minority, non-controlling stakes to private investors, FIFA hopes to generate roughly $4.2 billion in initial capital. These funds would be distributed to FIFA’s 211 member associations through its Fast-Forward Programme.

Each of FIFA’s member associations would receive a stake in FFE worth roughly $20 million, which they can choose to keep or sell. FIFA is confident that the move will scale global development to over $10 billion over the next four years.

FIFA has stated that they will maintain a majority stake of 51 per cent to ensure control. But as has already been highlighted, with the option to sell individual stakes, theoretically 49% of its major competition ownership could end up in the hands of external investors.

Reaction to FIFA’s Plan

Left image: REUTERS/Henry Romero
Right image: REUTERS/Phil Noble

FFE was immediately condemned by the European governing body UEFA, who were able to generate their own statement before FIFA even published their report on the subsidiary. This was due to reports that were published in the Times and the Financial Times. The UK’s newly sworn-in Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, was also among the plan’s detractors.

UEFA’s response was scathing, stating that FIFA had “crossed a line” with its proposal. “The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially,” read the statement. “None of us are the owners of football. It is not Fifa’s to sell.”

“The World Cup is not a product,” added Burnham in a social media post. “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. Football belongs to the fans. It always has, and it always will.”

The English FA’s statement on its website highlighted a lack of counsel from FIFA before publishing its proposal: “We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached.

“Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved.”

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is behind the FFE plan and has stated that it is his responsibility to continue developing the game’s global reach, maximising revenue and the amount of money available to reinvest in its member associations.

“Football ‌is the world’s most popular sport and an extraordinary engine of human and social development,” Infantino stated in accordance with the strategy.

“Parts of the game ​have turned that popularity into remarkable commercial value – and we celebrate that success and want it to continue, because it lifts the whole game.

“Our job is to make sure the rest of football grows with it: FIFA exists to support sustainable, inclusive development in every corner of the world.”

Why is FIFA’s Plan Controversial?

REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

With Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, and former Disney chief executive Bob Iger linked to initial private investor bids, there are concerns over the conflict of interest created and the growing influence of external stakeholders.

Investors with multi-billion dollar stakes may not have a majority of ownership, but they would hold influence over key commercial strategy. This can present itself as an increased frequency of major tournaments or an expansion of the number of participants. When identifying potential World Cup hosts, higher-bidding nations could also be prioritised over culturally suitable or diverse bids.

An enduring topic of concern is the already busy football calendar. Domestic leagues and European competition expansion has increased the number of games teams expect to play during the season. International tournaments held over the summer already decrease the recovery period after a domestic season, increasing the chances of long-term injuries. Increasing the frequency of World Cups and Club World Cups will exacerbate this issue.

FIFA’s strategy matches corporate trends in global sport. However, football is not a corporate asset. Much of its strength and appeal lies in its competitiveness, tradition, and community. Private investment will provide an instant and significant capital injection, but those benefits will be short term. The long-term stability of the sport comes under immediate threat, potentially leading to the alienation of clubs, players, and governing bodies, and the inevitable suggestion of breakaways and boycotts.

SummerSlam has always stood as one of WWE’s most iconic and eagerly anticipated spectacles, known for producing storybook moments and legendary clashes inside the squared circle. Since debuting in 1988, the event has played host to some of the most famous matches in WWE history, captivating generations of fans around the world.

Last year marked a major milestone, as SummerSlam became a two-night event for the very first time, mirroring WrestleMania’s format and promising double the action, drama, and unforgettable memories.

As we count down to this landmark pay-per-view, it’s only fitting to look back at the greatest matches that have defined the SummerSlam legacy. WWE recently released their ranking of the top 25 matches in SummerSlam history on YouTube, highlighting iconic bouts that combined tense storylines, in-ring mastery, and show-stopping moments. From classic rivalries to brutal stipulations, these matches have left an everlasting mark on fans and the entire sport.

10

The Undertaker vs Edge

Hell in a Cell Match – SummerSlam 2008

Few rivalries of the late 2000s carried as much personal animosity as The Undertaker and Edge, and their Hell in a Cell clash at SummerSlam 2008 was the brutal end of months of betrayal and revenge. The match embraced chaos from the opening moments, using steel steps and Edge’s trademark tables, ladders and chairs to create a spectacle worthy of the stipulation. It was a war that never stopped escalating, highlighted by Edge’s shocking Spear through the announcer’s table, and The Undertaker’s top-rope chokeslam through stacked tables that had fans losing their minds.

What set this contest apart was the story it told: The Deadman methodically dismantling his rival, paying back every cheap shot and ambush Edge had orchestrated in their feud. The post-match scene, with Undertaker sending Edge crashing through the ring as flames erupted from the hole it had carved, remains one of SummerSlam’s most unforgettable images.

9

Shawn Michaels vs Razor Ramon

Intercontinental Title Ladder Match – SummerSlam 1995

The sequel to their iconic WrestleMania X ladder match carried immense expectations, but Shawn Michaels and Razor Ramon once again delivered a contest that redefined what the Intercontinental Championship could represent. By 1995, Michaels had become one of the company’s most popular stars, creating a rare spectacle of two fan favourites battling for the same prize.

The match blended daring innovation with clever strategy, as Razor focused on Michaels’ leg to slow his ascent, whilst HBK relied on his trademark agility and high-risk offence. Their clashes at the summit of the ladder felt tense and dramatic, with each fall and counter drawing a reaction from the crowd. The finishing sequence, with Michaels finally scaling the ladder and grabbing the title, before sharing a respectful handshake with Ramon, cemented this as not just a rematch, but a worthy continuation of one of WWE’s most influential rivalries.

8

The Rock vs Brock Lesnar

WWE Undisputed Title Match – SummerSlam 2002

SummerSlam 2002 marked a generational shift as The Rock defended the WWE Undisputed Championship against Brock Lesnar, a dominant newcomer who had taken WWE by storm. Lesnar’s sheer power dictated the opening stages, with suplexes and heavy strikes wearing down the champion and establishing him as a physical force unlike anything The Rock had faced.

The match unfolded at a relentless pace, blending spectacle with personal animosity. Paul Heyman’s typical interference backfired spectacularly when The Rock delivered a Rock Bottom through the announcer’s table, igniting the crowd. In a dramatic exchange, both men even used each other’s finishing moves, symbolising the desperation to leave with the title. The closing sequence saw Lesnar counter The Rock and land a decisive F-5 to secure the pin and claim the championship. At just 25 years old, Brock’s victory not only crowned him the youngest world champion in WWE history at the time but also signalled the arrival of a new era.

7

Shawn Michaels vs Triple H

Street Fight – SummerSlam 2002

Shawn Michaels’ return to the ring after more than four years away was always going to be emotional, but his Unsanctioned Street Fight with Triple H at SummerSlam 2002 exceeded every expectation. The story was deeply personal, with two former friends turning into bitter enemies and the atmosphere inside Nassau Coliseum reflected that intensity.

Michaels defied doubts about his physical condition, starting fast with aerial attacks and fearless dives, including a breathtaking splash through a table at ringside and an elbow drop from the top of a ladder. Triple H navigated the match in his usual fashion, calculated brutality, targeting Michaels’ surgically repaired back with chair shots and backbreakers. The bout’s climax saw Michaels reverse a Pedigree attempt into a sudden jackknife roll-up, securing an emotional victory. But the celebration was short-lived: Triple H’s post-match sledgehammer assault left Michaels motionless and being stretchered out, perfectly setting the stage for the continuation of their legendary rivalry.

6

The Hardy Boyz vs The Dudley Boyz vs Edge & Christian

Triple Threat Tag Team TLC Match – SummerSlam 2000

SummerSlam 2000 hosted the first-ever Tables, Ladders and Chairs match, and it didn’t come in a singles match either. Instead, fans were treated to a triple threat tag team match featuring three of the greatest tag teams the WWE has ever seen: The Hardy Boyz, The Dudley Boyz and Edge & Christian. With the tag team belts suspended above the ring, all three teams used these pieces of hardware as both weapons and stepping stones in a chaotic contest that redefined what fans expected from tag team wrestling.

The match became a demolition derby where every team seemed to take their turn crashing through tables, from The Dudleys’ devastating 3-D on Christian, to Jeff Hardy’s missed Swanton Bomb, to Bubba Ray Dudley’s harrowing plunge from a ladder through four of them stacked at ringside. Interference from Lita added another layer of drama, culminating in her being skewered by an Edge Spear. The finale saw Jeff Hardy hanging from the titles before being struck down with a thrown ladder, allowing Edge & Christian to climb unopposed and win the match. As the two champions came back to the canvas, there was no celebration, only carnage, as the ring resembled a sea of motionless bodies.

5

Bret Hart vs Owen Hart

WWE Title Steel Cage Match – SummerSlam 1994

SummerSlam in 1994 showcased one of WWE’s greatest sibling rivalries as Bret and Owen Hart waged war inside a steel cage for the WWE Championship. The match was as much about family pride as it was about the title, with the Hart family watching on from ringside, wincing as the two brothers used the unforgiving structure to punish one another.

Unlike many cage matches of the era, this was built on dramatic escapes rather than simple brutality. Time and again, each brother clawed towards freedom only to be dragged back inside, including tense moments where they traded blows balanced at the very top of the structure. Owen’s piledriver and Sharpshooter nearly sealed the win for him, but Bret’s resilience turned the tide. In the end, Owen’s leg became trapped in the cage as they raced their way down the outside, allowing Bret to jump down and retain his title. Shortly after Bret was announced as the winner, the celebration was cut short when Jim Neidhart blindsided him. Neidhart and Owen then locked themselves inside the cage with Bret, trapping him and unleashing a vicious attack while the rest of the Hart family desperately tried to get over the cage to intervene.

4

CM Punk vs Brock Lesnar

No Disqualification Match – SummerSlam 2013

Dubbed “The Best vs The Beast”, CM Punk’s clash with Brock Lesnar at SummerSlam 2013 was a brutally personal war born from betrayal by Paul Heyman. The no disqualification stipulation allowed both men to unleash everything in their arsenal across 25 brutal minutes that blended technical skill, high-flying offence and raw power.

Punk’s resilience and creativity shone through, using chairs, aerial dives and submission holds to counter Lesnar’s overwhelming strength. The tension heightened whenever Heyman got involved, breaking pins and interfering at key moments, which only fuelled Punk’s fury. After nailing Lesnar with the GTS and locking in the Anaconda Vice, Punk appeared on the verge of victory until another one of Heyman’s distractions turned the tide. Lesnar capitalised, driving Punk into a steel chair with an F-5 to secure victory in one of the most revered SummerSlam matches of the modern era.

3

Bret Hart vs Mr. Perfect

Intercontinental Title Match – SummerSlam 1991

SummerSlam 1991 delivered a technical masterpiece as Bret Hart challenged Mr Perfect for the Intercontinental Championship. Both men were renowned for their in-ring precision and storytelling, and their chemistry was on full display from the opening exchange. Perfect’s arrogance met Hart’s relentless determination, creating a match that balanced athletic counters with hard-hitting strikes and dramatic near-falls.

The contest unfolded like a clinic in wrestling fundamentals, with each competitor targeting weaknesses and refusing to give an inch. Perfect’s crisp offence and Hart’s resilience kept the crowd hooked, building to a decisive finish where Hart applied the Sharpshooter to force the submission, ending Perfect’s 280-day reign as champion. The victory not only earned Hart his first singles title in WWE but also elevated the Intercontinental Championship itself, solidifying the bout as one of the most celebrated examples of pure technical wrestling in WWE history.

2

John Cena vs AJ Styles

Singles Match – SummerSlam 2016

By the time John Cena and AJ Styles met at SummerSlam in 2016, their rivalry had become one of WWE’s most intriguing modern feuds. Styles was the popular newcomer from outside WWE and had already proven he could beat Cena with help from The Club, but this was about settling the score one-on-one.

The match delivered a dramatic back-and-forth spectacle, blending Cena’s powerhouse offence with Styles’ fluid counters. Signature moves were exchanged and reversed in rapid succession as the Styles Clash and Phenomenal Forearm came agonisingly close to sealing it for Styles, as Cena’s Attitude Adjustments, including a huge top-rope version, stunned the crowd with near-falls. In the final moments, Styles countered one last Attitude Adjustment into another Styles Clash and a second Phenomenal Forearm to secure the clean victory. It was proof that a SummerSlam classic didn’t need championships on the line or special stipulations, just two elite performers at their very best.

1

Bret Hart vs British Bulldog

Intercontinental Title Match – SummerSlam 1992

SummerSlam 1992 remains one of WWE’s most iconic nights. The event was held at Wembley Stadium before more than 80,000 fans, a rare UK stage for a pay-per-view and the perfect setting for Hart’s defence of the Intercontinental Championship against the Bulldog. The atmosphere was electric, with home-country support for Davey-Boy Smith amplified by the presence of boxing champion Lennox Lewis walking him out to the ring, holding a Union Jack aloft.

The match itself was a masterclass in contrasts. Hart’s precise technical wrestling met Bulldog’s raw power, creating a compelling back-and-forth story. Both men pushed each other to the limit, with Hart applying the Sharpshooter multiple times in a desperate bid to retain the title, and Bulldog answering with explosive suplexes, including one from the top rope, and his trademark running powerslam. The finish came when Hart attempted a sunset flip, only for Bulldog to counter into a mounted pin and claim the championship as the British crowd erupted in celebration.

The touching image of Bulldog, Bret, and Diana Hart (Bret’s sister and Bulldog’s wife) embracing together in the middle of the ring, after she had watched anxiously from ringside as two of her closest loved ones put on an all-time classic remains one of the most emotional moments in SummerSlam history.