Archive · 27 Aug 2026
UEFA Set to Lift FIFA Boycott Threat After Guarantees
UEFA had threatened to stop European teams from playing in some FIFA competitions.
The disagreement began after FIFA proposed selling stakes in the World Cup and other major events.
FIFA later withdrew the proposal.
UEFA also wanted promises that similar plans would not be brought back.
Reports say FIFA has now given those assurances.
Because of this, UEFA is expected to end its boycott threat.
European teams should be able to play in the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
At the same time, some football leaders and federations are questioning Gianni Infantino’s leadership.
UEFA is expected to withdraw its threat to boycott FIFA competitions after receiving assurances about World Cup-related sales plans.
FIFA reportedly guaranteed that plans to sell stakes in the World Cup and other major events will not return.
All qualified European teams are expected to participate in next month’s Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
UEFA and FIFA held private discussions for several weeks despite their public disagreement.
Italy withdrew support for Gianni Infantino’s FIFA presidential candidacy as pressure for reform and his resignation increased.
- Who
- UEFA, FIFA, Gianni Infantino, European national federations, and European football teams.
- What
- UEFA is expected to lift its boycott threat after receiving assurances that FIFA will not revive plans to sell stakes in the World Cup or other major events.
- When
- After several weeks of private discussions; UEFA officials were expected to discuss the matter at a meeting in Monaco on Thursday.
- Where
- The upcoming Under-20 Women’s World Cup is scheduled to take place in Poland; UEFA’s reported meeting is in Monaco.
- Why
- UEFA sought withdrawal of the proposal and guarantees that similar plans would not be pursued again.
UEFA and Reform Supporters
FIFA and Infantino Supporters
World Cup commercial plans
UEFA and Reform Supporters
UEFA sought the withdrawal of the proposal and guarantees that comparable plans would not return.
FIFA and Infantino Supporters
FIFA withdrew the proposal and reportedly assured UEFA in writing that similar plans would not be pursued.
Boycott and tournament participation
UEFA and Reform Supporters
UEFA threatened a boycott but is expected to lift it after receiving the assurances; a source said the move avoids harming young players’ opportunity.
FIFA and Infantino Supporters
FIFA said all qualified teams would participate in the Under-20 Women’s World Cup and emphasized football’s ability to unite people.
FIFA leadership and governance
UEFA and Reform Supporters
Italy withdrew support for Infantino, while some European officials called for reform or questioned his future at FIFA.
FIFA and Infantino Supporters
Infantino retains support from the African and South American confederations and is planning to seek a fourth term, according to the report.
- Organizations involved
- UEFA and FIFA
- Disputed plans
- Proposals to sell stakes in the World Cup and other major events
- Reported FIFA assurances
- Similar plans will not be revived
- Affected competition
- The Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland
- European position
- UEFA is expected to lift its boycott threat
- Italy’s action
- The Italian Football Federation withdrew support for Gianni Infantino’s FIFA presidential candidacy
- Pressure on Infantino
- UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF have discussed potential action, while African and South American confederations continue to support him
