A significant conflict has emerged between FIFA and European football governing bodies regarding the future financial structure of the World Cup. FIFA leadership, under Gianni Infantino, has faced intense scrutiny over a proposal to sell equity in the tournament to private investors. European associations, led by UEFA, have issued a formal ultimatum, stating that their national teams will refuse to participate in any FIFA-sanctioned competitions until the proposal is fully withdrawn and binding guarantees are provided against future attempts to privatize the tournament.

The controversy has drawn attention to how FIFA prioritizes its various sectors. Critics argue that women’s football is being used as a rhetorical tool in this power struggle, despite being largely excluded from FIFA’s internal planning documents. According to reports, a 25-page FIFA sales deck intended for member associations contained only a single mention of the women’s game, leading to accusations that FIFA leadership is not genuinely committed to the development of women’s football. While FIFA has framed its investment search as a necessary step for the sport's growth, European critics maintain that such moves threaten the 'soul of football' and prioritize commercial interests over the integrity of the game. As of now, the proposal remains a point of contention, with European federations standing firm on their boycott threat.