«Tournaments without European countries are worthless»: Uli Hoeness comments
According to Championat.
Context
Uli Hoeness, as a member of Bayern München's supervisory board, has a significant influence on discussions about the direction of European football. His experience and insight into the strength of European football on the global stage are crucial, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching and its implications for UEFA and FIFA in terms of revenue and competitiveness.
Why this matters
Uli Hoeness' position on a possible UEFA boycott of the 2026 World Cup highlights the importance of European football in global competitions. His criticism of the sale of rights to private investors reflects wider concerns about governance and revenue distribution in football, which are crucial to the sustainability of European federations and clubs. Without the participation of European teams, the relevance and prestige of the World Cup could be significantly affected.
Main conclusions
- «Tournaments without European countries are worthless»: Uli Hoeness comments.
- Hoeness criticizes the possibility of UEFA boycotting FIFA tournaments if rights are sold to private parties and states that without Europe, tournaments lose value, with the 2026 World Cup in the background.
- «Турниры без стран Европы ничего не стоят». Хёнес — о решении УЕФА бойкотировать ЧМ - Чемпионат.
Uli Hoeness, member of the supervisory board of Bayern München, spoke about the scenario of a UEFA boycott of competitions under the auspices of FIFA — namely the World Cup — if the entity that governs world football goes ahead with the sale of a portion of the commercial rights to private investors. For the historic German leader, Europe's market and sporting power is decisive for the value of global tournaments.
"Personally, I think that Europeans don't realize how strong they are. Tournaments without European teams are worthless", said Hoeness, quoted by the Bayern & Germany account on the social network In a sarcastic criticism, he concluded: “If he wants to see Fiji against Cape Verde in the World Cup, so be it.”
The topic arises at a time when the future model of commercial exploitation of FIFA's main competitions and the possible involvement of private capital are being discussed. On the European side, the issue has generated concern around governance, revenue distribution and the protection of the interests of federations and clubs on the continent. The ventilated position — a boycott if the sale of rights goes ahead — would put enormous pressure on negotiations between UEFA and FIFA, given the competitive and economic implications of a World Cup without European representation.
With the 2026 World Cup approaching, the relevance of Europe is particularly sensitive: the next edition, extended to 48 teams and organized by the United States, Mexico and Canada, will feature a strong European presence, not only in terms of number of places, but also in terms of audience, sponsors and global interest. An absence of the UEFA teams would completely reshape the tournament — from sporting appeal to television value — and would be an unprecedented scenario in the history of the competition.
The statements by Hoeness, an influential figure in German and European football, give voice to a movement that warns of the consequences of structural changes made without broad consensus. The eventual sale of portions of commercial rights to private investors is seen by critics as a step that could dilute the decision-making capacity of federations and change the balance of forces in international football.
For now, there are no public indications of an immediate resolution. What is certain is that the exchange of arguments between UEFA and FIFA should intensify in the coming weeks, with the eyes of the world focused on the cycle that will culminate in the 2026 World Cup. The next decisions could define not only the economic model of the competitions, but also the design of the international calendar and the participation of the main European teams on football's biggest stage.
What happens next
With UEFA considering a boycott, negotiations between UEFA and FIFA could be intensified, especially in relation to the commercial exploitation model of the tournaments. Pressure on FIFA to reconsider the sale of commercial rights could increase, given the impact that a World Cup without European teams would have on audiences and revenue. How this situation unfolds will be crucial for the future of international football and its financial structure.
Frequently asked questions
What did Uli Hoeness say about UEFA's boycott of the World Cup?
Uli Hoeness commented that UEFA may boycott FIFA competitions such as the World Cup if FIFA sells commercial rights to private investors.
Who confirmed the possibility of a UEFA boycott of the World Cup?
Uli Hoeness, member of the supervisory board of Bayern München, confirmed this possibility.
Why does Uli Hoeness believe that tournaments without European teams are worthless?
He believes
that Europe's market and sporting power is decisive for the value of global tournaments.
What changes are being discussed in relation to the 2026 World Cup?
The future commercial exploitation model of FIFA competitions and the possible involvement of private capital are under discussion.
How relevant is Europe to the 2026 World Cup?
Europe's relevance is sensitive, especially with the 2026 World Cup approaching and being expanded to 48 teams.