UEFA is preparing to lift its threat to boycott FIFA events, as it has received assurances that the plan to sell stakes in the World Cup and other major tournaments will not be revived, according to Reuters sources familiar with the discussions.
UEFA officials are expected to brief the Executive Committee and the presidents of most member associations at a meeting in Monaco on Thursday (August 27) on the sidelines of the Champions League group stage draw, noting that the conditions for lifting the boycott have now been met.
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This development follows FIFA’s decision in July to withdraw the proposal that had sparked strong reactions among the 55 European federations. UEFA had demanded not only the withdrawal of the proposal but also guarantees that a similar initiative would not be revived in the future.
In any case, the controversy has caused significant friction within the global soccer community and has increased pressure on FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) announced that it is withdrawing its support for Infantino’s candidacy in the FIFA presidential election, which is scheduled for March 2027.
The FIGC stated that the decision expresses its position “clearly and transparently,” in full agreement with UEFA and its president, Alexander Ceferin, regarding Infantino’s recent initiatives on the governance and development of international competitions.
The FIFA president is now under pressure from three confederations—UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF— and there has even been discussion of a possible no-confidence vote against him. Infantino is seeking reelection for a fourth term and is expected to face strong opposition.
At the same time, FIFA has stated that all teams that have qualified will participate as scheduled in the U-20 Women’s World Cup, to be held next month in Poland. This is the first major tournament that could be affected by the dispute.
“FIFA is pleased that all the teams that qualified will participate in the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup,” said a spokesperson for the world governing body, adding that FIFA remains committed to the development of global soccer and to dialogue with the confederations and other stakeholders.
A source familiar with the discussions clarified to “Reuters” that this development is not a defeat for UEFA, but rather a choice made so that young players would not be deprived of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity in their careers. At the same time, as the source noted, UEFA will continue to push for changes at FIFA.
*photo source: AP
