Archive · 27 Aug 2026
UEFA Eases FIFA Boycott Threat as Italy Drops Infantino
UEFA had threatened to skip FIFA tournaments because it opposed a plan to sell parts of major football competitions.
FIFA withdrew that plan in July.
UEFA now expects to end its boycott threat after receiving promises that similar plans will not be brought back.
This may help all teams play in the upcoming Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
Italy has stopped supporting Gianni Infantino’s campaign to remain FIFA president.
Other football leaders also want changes at FIFA.
Some regional football groups have discussed whether to challenge Infantino’s leadership.
FIFA says it wants football to unite people and continue supporting the sport worldwide.
UEFA is expected to lift its planned boycott of FIFA competitions after receiving assurances that a disputed investment proposal will not return.
The FIFA proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup and other major competitions was withdrawn in July.
Italy’s football federation withdrew its support for Gianni Infantino’s FIFA presidential candidacy.
UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have discussed possible action against Infantino, including a no-confidence vote.
FIFA said all qualified teams would participate in next month’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
- Who
- UEFA, FIFA, Italy’s football federation, Gianni Infantino and several regional football confederations.
- What
- UEFA is expected to lift its threat to boycott FIFA competitions, while Italy has withdrawn support for Infantino’s FIFA presidential candidacy.
- When
- The developments were reported on Wednesday; UEFA officials are expected to discuss the issue on Thursday, and the FIFA election is scheduled for March next year.
- Where
- UEFA’s meeting is scheduled for Monaco, and the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup will be held in Poland.
- Why
- UEFA opposed a FIFA proposal to sell stakes in major competitions and has sought assurances that the plan, or similar plans, will not return.
UEFA and Reform Supporters
FIFA and Infantino Supporters
Competition investment plans
UEFA and Reform Supporters
UEFA opposed FIFA’s proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup and other major competitions and wants assurances that similar plans will not return.
FIFA and Infantino Supporters
FIFA withdrew the proposal in July and says it remains focused on supporting global football through competitions and other initiatives.
FIFA leadership
UEFA and Reform Supporters
UEFA, Italy’s federation and some regional confederations have expressed opposition to Infantino or discussed possible action against his leadership.
FIFA and Infantino Supporters
Infantino is seeking a fourth term and retains support from the African and South American confederations.
Boycott and tournament participation
UEFA and Reform Supporters
UEFA says its actions are intended to continue pressing for change, while avoiding harm to young players’ opportunities.
FIFA and Infantino Supporters
FIFA says all qualified teams will participate in the upcoming Under-20 Women’s World Cup and that football can unite people during difficult circumstances.
- Disputed proposal
- A FIFA plan to sell stakes in the World Cup and other major competitions triggered opposition from UEFA’s 55 member associations.
- Proposal status
- FIFA withdrew the proposal in July.
- UEFA position
- UEFA is expected to tell its executive committee and member-association presidents that the conditions for lifting the boycott have been met.
- Italy’s decision
- The Italian Football Federation withdrew its support for Gianni Infantino’s candidacy in the FIFA presidential election.
- Upcoming tournament
- FIFA said all qualified teams will participate in next month’s FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
- Leadership pressure
- UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have discussed a potential no-confidence vote against Infantino.
- Infantino’s support
- Infantino retains support from the African and South American confederations, according to the report.