UEFA boycott threat remains: 'Changes nothing'

European football leaders remain unimpressed by FIFA's apology following a flawed World Cup plan, with UEFA standing firm on its boycott threat. UEFA stated that its member associations' conditions for non-participation in FIFA competitions have not been fulfilled.

“

UEFA’s member associations were very clear about the conditions for their non-participation in FIFA competitions. Firstly, the proposals to sell off the major tournaments must be withdrawn, and secondly, guarantees must be given that such attempts to disfigure football in this way will never be made again. These conditions have not been met.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino faced significant criticism and convened a leadership meeting in Morocco. Following this, FIFA issued a press release apologizing for the failed World Cup plan. However, the organization also declared full confidence in Infantino and stated it would not tolerate attacks on FIFA's integrity.

UEFA responded by reiterating that its conditions for participating in FIFA competitions remain unmet. These conditions include the withdrawal of proposals to sell off major tournaments and guarantees that such attempts to "disfigure football" will not happen again. UEFA explicitly stated that these conditions have not been met.

“

Furthermore, UEFA made it absolutely clear in its statement last Saturday that the association has lost confidence in Gianni Infantino’s presidency. That position remains unchanged.

Furthermore, UEFA confirmed its continued lack of confidence in Gianni Infantino's presidency. The organization emphasized that the FIFA president's employees, whose careers depend on his favor, backing him does not alter UEFA's position. Reports suggest European and CONCACAF leaders are exploring options to challenge Infantino, with several national federations, including Sweden, indicating they will not support him in the upcoming election.

“

Yesterday’s announcement that a number of people employed by the FIFA president – and whose careers depend on his goodwill – agree with him changes nothing.