FIFA Row: UEFA Poised To Step Back From Boycott Threat
European football nations are set to back down over their threat to boycott FIFA competitions after reportedly receiving assurances from the world governing body.
The development is expected to end an immediate standoff between UEFA and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, after a controversial proposal which had sparked strong opposition from European football officials.
Last month it was reported that UEFA threatened to withdraw European teams from FIFA competitions over concerns raised about Infantino’s plan to sell shares in a commercial venture linked to the World Cup to private investors.
Infantino eventually dropped the proposal but UEFA said it needed assurances from European teams that no similar attempts to change the structure of the game would be made again.
Sky News says the assurances have now been given and are expected to be discussed at meetings in Monaco on Thursday.
This development means that England and other European countries are expected to take part in the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland next week as scheduled.
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Their presence will at least for the time being end the danger of a European boycott of FIFA tournaments.
The tournament will be the first FIFA event since a row over Infantino’s proposed commercial deal plunged his leadership into one of its biggest political crises.
UEFA has been prominently involved in attempts to challenge Infantino’s leadership, with reports suggesting some FIFA vise presidents from Asia, Europe and North America have also backed the push.
The U-20 Women’s World Cup will also give Infantino a chance to make a public appearance as FIFA president, despite the divisions that still exist within the organization.
The next big FIFA event is the Women’s World Cup in June 2027, according to reports. But the tournament will follow the FIFA election of a president, due in March next year.
Infantino has not yet revealed his position on the election, while potential candidates have until November to collect support from at least five football associations to enter the race.
