UEFA is expected to lift its threat to boycott FIFA competitions after receiving assurances that plans to sell stakes in the World Cup and other major tournaments will not be revived, according to sources familiar with the discussions.
The development comes as Italy has withdrawn its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, adding to growing pressure on the FIFA chief over the organisation’s governance and plans for international competitions.
UEFA’s 55 member associations had agreed to boycott FIFA tournaments after details emerged of a proposal involving private investment in major competitions. FIFA withdrew the proposal in July, helping ease tensions between the two football governing bodies.
UEFA officials are expected to inform the organisation’s executive committee and most member association presidents at a meeting in Monaco that the conditions required to lift the boycott have now been met.
UEFA seeks guarantees from FIFA
UEFA had demanded both the withdrawal of the investment proposal and assurances that similar plans would not be brought back in the future.
A source familiar with the discussions said lifting the boycott should not be viewed as a defeat for UEFA, but rather as a decision aimed at protecting young players who could have been affected by the dispute.
The source added that UEFA’s efforts to push for changes within FIFA would continue despite the decision to step back from the boycott threat.
FIFA has welcomed the participation of all qualified teams in next month’s Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
A FIFA spokesperson said the organisation was pleased that all qualified teams would participate and stressed the importance of football’s ability to unite players and countries during difficult periods.
Italy withdraws support for Infantino
Italy has become the latest national football federation to distance itself from Infantino.
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has withdrawn its support for Infantino’s candidacy in the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March next year.
The FIGC said its decision was intended to clearly express its position regarding recent initiatives promoted by Infantino concerning the governance and development of international competitions.
The Italian federation also said its position was aligned with UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin and UEFA’s broader concerns.
Italy’s decision represents another setback for Infantino as he prepares to seek a fourth term as FIFA president.
Pressure mounts on FIFA president
Infantino is facing increasing criticism from several football confederations.
UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have all been involved in discussions concerning the FIFA president’s leadership.
Regional football bodies have reportedly discussed the possibility of a vote of no confidence in Infantino.
The FIFA president is expected to seek re-election next year, but the growing opposition could make the campaign significantly more challenging.
European Leagues President Claudius Schaefer has also said that Infantino has no future at FIFA and called for reforms within world football’s governing body.
Boycott threat appears to ease
The decision by UEFA to move toward lifting its boycott threat could prevent the dispute from affecting upcoming FIFA competitions.
The Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland is expected to be the first major tournament that could have been affected by the standoff.
With the boycott conditions apparently being addressed, all qualified teams are now expected to participate.
However, tensions over FIFA governance and the future direction of international competitions remain unresolved.
UEFA’s decision is therefore likely to ease the immediate dispute while keeping pressure on FIFA to provide greater transparency and avoid reviving controversial investment plans.
UEFA had demanded both the withdrawal of the investment proposal and assurances that similar plans would not be brought back in the future.
UEFA is set to lift its threat to boycott FIFA tournaments after receiving assurances that controversial plans to sell stakes in major competitions will not return. The move comes as Italy withdraws support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino ahead of next year’s election.
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