UEFA backs off FIFA boycott threat after assurances on tournament stakes

UEFA, European football's governing body, is reportedly abandoning its threat to boycott FIFA tournaments. This move comes after receiving assurances that FIFA will not pursue its controversial plan to sell stakes in its events to private investors.

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It's not a UEFA defeat, rather the reality of avoiding hurting young players during a once in a lifetime opportunity. The actions and insistence on change will continue.

The decision means European teams can participate in the upcoming U20 Women's World Cup in Poland. FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously withdrawn the plan, which was to be managed by a commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprises (FFE), following widespread protests. UEFA had led the opposition, demanding guarantees that such attempts to "disfigure the game" would not recur.

Sources familiar with the discussions described the decision not to boycott as avoiding harm to young players facing a "once in a lifetime opportunity." However, they stressed that "actions and insistence on change will continue." Reports suggest UEFA will inform its 55 national associations of the decision at a meeting in Monaco. UEFA is also reportedly exploring other avenues to pressure Infantino, including considering legal action, arbitration, and regulatory complaints related to the FFE plan.

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Our priority remains to ensure the best possible conditions for the competition and for all participating teams. For many of these young players, this tournament represents an important milestone in their sporting careers, and we remain fully focused on delivering an event worthy of their talent and commitment.

Despite the internal FIFA-UEFA dispute, the Polish Football Association (PZPN) confirmed preparations for the U20 Women's World Cup are proceeding. Their priority is to ensure the best conditions for the competition, which begins September 5. Gianni Infantino is expected to seek re-election as FIFA President in March, with no other candidates currently challenging him.

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UEFA hereby gives formal notice that it is actively considering legal action, arbitration, and/or regulatory complaints arising out of and in connection with the FFE plan proposed by FIFA and all related matters.