EXPLAINER: Soccer - How FIFA and UEFA govern world soccer

FIFA's proposal to create a $20 billion subsidiary to manage the World Cup and sell minority stakes to outside investors has renewed attention on how power is shared in world soccer. While FIFA is the sport's global governing body, much of soccer's commercial influence is concentrated in Europe through UEFA, which oversees many of the game's most lucrative competitions.

FIFA's Role in World Soccer

Founded in 1904 and headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, FIFA is the highest governing body in international soccer. It has 211 member associations, with each member holding one vote in the FIFA Congress, the organization's highest legislative authority.

The FIFA Congress elects the organization's president and approves major changes to its statutes. Between Congress meetings, the 37-member FIFA Council serves as the main decision-making body.

Every national soccer association belongs to one of FIFA's six continental confederations: UEFA (Europe), CONMEBOL (South America), CONCACAF (North and Central America and the Caribbean), AFC (Asia), CAF (Africa), and OFC (Oceania). National associations oversee the sport within their countries, while the confederations manage regional competitions and development.

What FIFA Does

FIFA organizes the sport's biggest international tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup, FIFA Women's World Cup, Club World Cup, and various youth competitions.

The organization also sets the international match calendar, which determines when clubs must release players for national team duty. In addition, FIFA establishes global regulations covering player eligibility, transfers, disciplinary matters, and other international football rules. It also supports the growth of the sport through development programs such as FIFA Forward.

Because every member association has an equal vote regardless of its size or financial strength, FIFA's decision-making often depends on building support across Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Oceania.

The Role of Continental Confederations

FIFA's six continental confederations operate independently, with their own governing bodies, competitions, and commercial programs.

They organize major regional tournaments such as the UEFA European Championship, Copa America, Africa Cup of Nations, AFC Asian Cup, CONCACAF Gold Cup, and OFC Nations Cup. They also oversee the top club competitions in their respective regions.

Although FIFA recognizes their authority to organize continental tournaments, these competitions must comply with FIFA regulations and the international match calendar.

Why UEFA Holds So Much Influence

Despite representing only 55 of FIFA's 211 member associations, UEFA generates far more commercial revenue than any other continental confederation.

It organizes elite club competitions such as the UEFA Champions League, Europa League, and Conference League, along with the European Championship. These events generate billions of dollars through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and commercial partnerships.

Europe is also home to many of the world's biggest clubs, domestic leagues, broadcasters, and sponsors. UEFA distributes billions in prize money, solidarity payments, and development funding, further strengthening its influence across European soccer.

FIFA and UEFA's Balance of Power

While FIFA governs world soccer, UEFA oversees much of the sport's financial engine.

Europe's 55 national associations account for just over one-quarter of FIFA's membership, but the region hosts many of the world's richest clubs, leagues, and competitions. As a result, UEFA has significant influence whenever FIFA proposes changes to tournament formats, the international calendar, or the sport's commercial structure.

The relationship between the two organizations is one of mutual dependence. FIFA relies on Europe's participation to maximize the value of its flagship tournaments, while UEFA operates within FIFA's global regulatory framework. This balance explains why disagreements between FIFA and UEFA over competitions, scheduling, or commercial matters often have a major impact on world soccer. -Reporting by Angelica Medina and Janina Nuno Rios in Mexico City, editing by Pritha Sarkar/Reuters