UEFA is expected to drop its threat to boycott FIFA tournaments after receiving assurances that a controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup and other major competitions will not return, sources familiar with the matter said.
UEFA officials are due to tell the organisation’s executive committee and most of its member association presidents at a meeting in Monaco on Thursday that the conditions for lifting the boycott have been met, the sources told Reuters.
The standoff began after details of FIFA’s proposal to sell stakes through a new entity emerged last month. UEFA’s 55 member associations responded by agreeing to boycott FIFA competitions. FIFA withdrew the proposal in July.
“It’s not a UEFA defeat, rather the reality of avoiding hurting young players’ once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The actions and insistence on change will continue,” one source familiar with the discussions said.
A FIFA spokesperson confirmed that all qualified teams will take part in next month’s Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland, the first major tournament that could have been affected.
“FIFA is pleased that all qualified teams will be participating in the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup,” the spokesperson said. “FIFA strongly believes that football has the power to unite, even in challenging circumstances, and looks forward to welcoming all teams and players to Poland.”
The spokesperson added that FIFA remains committed to supporting the global development of the game “in full dialogue with the Confederations and stakeholders.”
In a related development, the Italian Football Federation (FIGC) withdrew its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s candidacy in the presidential election scheduled for March 2027.
“This decision is intended to clearly and transparently express the FIGC’s position — in full agreement with UEFA and its president Aleksander Ceferin — regarding the recent initiatives promoted by the FIFA president concerning the governance and development of international competitions,” the FIGC said in a statement.
Infantino continues to face pressure from several confederations, including UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF, amid discussions of a possible vote of no confidence. He retains backing from the African and South American confederations and is expected to seek a fourth term.
