Story by Abbie Meehan
European nations could boycott the next World Cup if Gianni Infantino proceeds with his plan to sell off stakes in the competition. UEFA are preparing for an emergency meeting at 2pm today (Thursday, 30 July) to discuss the news that has rocked football.
Infantino is considering selling shares to private investors with the aim of creating a £15billion ($20bn) subsidiary which would then run the World Cup and other FIFA sanctioned events. UEFA have released a statement condemning these plans, which were reportedly not raised with football associations in New York on the eve of the World Cup final. The governing body said: “This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. UEFA takes it extremely seriously.
So should every National Football Association. 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.”
Infantino is planning to sell off more than 20% of the FIFA Forward Enterprise, aiming to raise £3.14bn ($4.2bn). In light of these developments and UEFA’s threat to boycott, Express Football looks back at previous instances in which nations have withdrawn from – or protested at – the World Cup.
Gianni Infantino.© Getty
Uruguay – 1934
The reigning world champions were scheduled to participate in the tournament’s second edition in 1934, having secured victory four years earlier. However, they pulled out in protest after a number of European nations declined to make the journey to South America for the 1930 World Cup in Uruguay.
ustria – 1938
Considered amongst the frontrunners going into the 1938 tournament, Austria were prevented from competing after Nazi forces annexed the country at that time. A number of Austrian players were incorporated into the German squad, although star player Matthias Sindelar declined to represent the Nazi-controlled team.
Austria.© Getty
India – 1950
On the only occasion India qualified for the World Cup, they opted not to participate. In 1950, the Asian country advanced to the finals by default after withdrawals during the qualifying phase.
Their non-attendance was put down to travel expenses, preparation time and team selection challenges.
15 African teams – 1966
The 1966 tournament holds cherished memories for England, yet one frequently forgotten aspect is the non-participation of African countries. The continent’s sides boycotted the qualifying rounds in protest at FIFA’s ruling to allocate only one spot to the African, Asian and Oceania confederations collectively.
These countries include: Algeria, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Sudan, Tunisia and the United Arab Republic (now called Egypt).
Soviet Union – 1974
In 1974, the world witnessed a qualified nation nearly withdrawing from the World Cup on political grounds. During the intercontinental play-off between Chile and the Soviet Union, the Soviets declined to take part in the match in objection to Augusto Pinochet’s dictatorship.
Pinochet had toppled the socialist government, transforming Chile from a previous Soviet ally into an adversary. Consequently, the Chilean players walked onto the pitch alone, with captain Francisco Valdes putting the ball into an unguarded net before the fixture was called off.
Rally Against World Cup In Qatar.© Getty
World Cup protests and issues
In more recent years, outright boycott threats have been scarce, though tensions did emerge during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. All 32 qualified nations competed in the competition, yet some players mounted demonstrations regarding alleged human rights violations and the host nation’s contentious position on LGBT rights.
Captains from seven European nations – England, Wales, Netherlands, Belgium, Denmark, Germany and Switzerland – had intended to wear “OneLove” armbands promoting inclusivity.
Denmark.© Getty
They scrapped the plan just hours before their fixtures after FIFA threatened to issue automatic yellow cards to any player wearing the unauthorised armband.
Meanwhile, in March this year – prior to the 2026 World Cup – amid rising regional tensions and US/Israeli air strikes, Iranian sports minister Ahmad Donyamali publicly stated that the national side would not take part in the tournament “under any circumstances.”
Despite the threats, Iran did not formally withdraw and instead appealed to FIFA to relocate their fixtures to co-host nation Mexico. This appeal was turned down and Iran eventually competed in the tournament, though they faced travel restrictions and were required to enter and leave the USA on the day of each fixture.
