UEFA uphold FIFA tournament boycott threat as they wait for Infantino's removal

News

FT Desk

UEFA have remained firm on their position to boycott all FIFA international tournaments until they are satisfied with a high level of reform in football's governing body.

The governing body of European football, they have been the staunchest opposition to FIFA President Gianni Infantino's now-scrapped plans to sell shares in the World Cup to private equity firms.

UEFA accused Infantino of trying to sell the soul of football and then said none of their member nations would participate in future World Cup tournaments if the plans went ahead. This was one of the main reasons why the proposals were quickly halted, as three out of the four semi-finalists at the 2026 World Cup were European nations.

They want Infantino out either by him resigning or by putting forward their own presidential candidate.

Despite intense scrutiny, FIFA released a statement on Wednesday claiming he had full backing of his colleagues.

“Following a meeting in Rabat, Morocco, the FIFA secretary general and members of the FIFA management board in attendance reaffirmed their full support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino, as the only official elected by the 211 FIFA member associations,” FIFA said in a statement, signed by Infantino himself.

“In turn, the FIFA president reiterated his full support for the FIFA secretary general and the FIFA administration for their necessary and outstanding work in the delivery of his vision.

“It was discussed and agreed that the processes, communications and interactions between the FIFA president, the FIFA secretary general and the FIFA management board that support the delivery of this vision can and should always be continuously improved in terms of their effectiveness and efficiency.

BREAKING: UEFA boycott of FIFA tournaments still stands 🚨 pic.twitter.com/pcvkhw87b2

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) August 6, 2026

“In this regard, FIFA’s top management is fully confident that the outcomes of today’s meeting will strengthen FIFA’s governance, help restore confidence in the organisation and enable us to prepare for the major events and challenges ahead in a united and transparent manner while continuing our mission to develop the game around the world.”

This wasn't sufficient for UEFA to stop their boycott threats and there is a real possibility that no European nations will feature in next month's Women's U20 World Cup. At senior level, there may be a boycott of the 2027 Women's World Cup qualifier play-offs.

A UEFA statement said: "UEFA's associations were very clear about the conditions attached to the non-participation in FIFA competitions.

"First, the proposals to sell off the major competitions had to be withdrawn, and secondly, assurances have to be made that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again.

"These conditions have not been met. In addition, UEFA made it abundantly clear in its statement on Saturday that it has lost confidence in Gianni Infantino's presidency. That position holds.

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

On Wednesday, the Times reported that Infantino had promised the World Cup final to Morocco, should the country display their support for him moving forward.

The 2030 World Cup will be co-hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco mainly, with special opening fixtures also taking place in Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.

FIFA denied those claims, however, saying in another statement: “It is false and misleading to claim the FIFA President has made any promise in relation to hosting the FIFA World Cup 2030 Final. A decision will be made by FIFA in due course.”