UEFA Teams Threaten to Quit FIFA Over World Cup Proposal

Soccer governing bodies CONMEBOL and UEFA have already voiced their opposition to FIFA’s proposal of moving the World Cup from a quadrennial to biennial event, but now more than a dozen European nations are reportedly considering quitting FIFA altogether in a last-resort protest.

UEFA says FIFA hasn’t been able to “demonstrate the benefits” of hosting the World Cup every two years.

• The IOC has opposed FIFA’s plan, too — a 2028 World Cup would take place shortly ahead of the Los Angeles Olympics, potentially affecting sponsorships.
• An IOC executive commented on the strain additional world-stage events could have on athletes.
• Adidas CEO Kasper Rørsted voiced his own opposition. The company is the official soccer ball supplier for the World Cup until 2030.

There will likely be a meeting with all 211 FIFA member nations in December to make a decision, according to ESPN.

FIFA earned $6.4 billion in revenue between 2017 and 2020, more than 70% of which came from the 2018 World Cup. Qatar, the 2022 World Cup host, expects a $20 billion economic boost.

If the member nations decide to leave FIFA, they’ll still be able to play in European competitions.