UEFA maintains World Cup boycott amid FIFA conflict

UEFA declared on Thursday that its boycott of the World Cup will continue, even after FIFA's governing body expressed "full support" for President Gianni Infantino. The European football association insists that its conditions for ending the boycott have not been met.

UEFA's demands include the withdrawal of proposals to sell stakes in major tournaments to private investors and guarantees that such attempts to "dismantle the football system" will not happen again. The organization stated that Infantino's supporters, whose careers depend on his favor, agreeing with him changes nothing.

Infantino has faced pressure for over a week following a controversial plan to sell stakes in a company that would organize World Cups. UEFA and two other continental confederations rejected the plan. UEFA previously announced that its 55 member nations would boycott FIFA competitions until the plan was scrapped and assurances were given.

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UEFA's member associations were very clear about the conditions related to the announced non-participation in FIFA competitions. First, the proposals for the sale of major tournaments had to be withdrawn, and second, guarantees had to be given that attempts to dismantle the football system in this way would never be repeated. These conditions have not been met.

FIFA's board met in Morocco and backed Infantino, but UEFA maintains this changes nothing. UEFA is particularly concerned about private investors influencing sports competitions, fearing it could lead to more frequent and larger events. The proposed company, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), would manage commercial and operational aspects of FIFA's tournaments. The most contentious aspect was the plan to sell a 20% stake to private investors, with Thrive Eternal, founded by Joshua Kushner, identified as the lead investor group.

Several national football associations, including Wales, England, Serbia, Sweden, and Finland, have withdrawn support for Infantino's re-election bid next year. FIFA acknowledged errors in handling the FFE proposal, stating it was not intended to exclude the FIFA Council or member associations from the process. A review of the FFE proposal handling is promised.

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Yesterday's announcement that some people employed by the FIFA president (and whose careers depend on his favor) agree with him changes nothing.