UEFA and its member associations apparently no longer intend to boycott FIFA tournaments. A threat to that effect has now been withdrawn.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s investment plans caused quite a stir, but the issue now appears to be off the table. As The Guardian reported this Wednesday, UEFA has since received “concrete guarantees” from FIFA in a “private letter.”
Back in early August, UEFA had demanded “that such attempts to distort soccer in this way never be made again.” The European continental body had demanded such an assurance as a condition for participating in FIFA tournaments in the future. FIFA had initially rejected this.
However, now that FIFA has reached out to UEFA under President Aleksander Ceferin, UEFA could soon withdraw its threat, according to SID reports. When asked, however, UEFA declined to comment at this time.
Infantino Should Resign
Regardless of these new developments, the European federation continues to demand Infantino’s resignation. UEFA plans to discuss further steps on Thursday. On that day, the 55 national federation heads—led by DFB President Bernd Neuendorf—and the Executive Committee—led by Hans-Joachim Watzke—will gather in Monaco for the Champions League draw.
The Women’s U-20 World Cup, which begins on September 5 and would be the first tournament affected by a UEFA boycott, is expected to take place as planned. Preparations are proceeding “according to plan,” the Polish Football Association, as the host, announced on Wednesday: “At this time,” there is “no information whatsoever regarding a possible withdrawal of any of the participating teams from the tournament.”
The criticism of Infantino is intense. Nevertheless, he is so far the only declared candidate for the election in March 2027.