UEFA is preparing to suspend its threat to boycott FIFA competitions after receiving assurances that FIFA President Gianni Infantino will not revive plans to sell a stake in the commercial rights to the World Cup, according to The Guardian.
The move would ease a growing confrontation between European football’s governing body and FIFA, which intensified following the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal.
The FFE project, which was abandoned just four days after it was announced, reportedly included plans to transfer around 21% of FIFA’s commercial rights to an investment group linked to the family of U.S. President Donald Trump.
European teams could return to FIFA competitions
If UEFA formally drops the boycott threat, European national teams are expected to resume participation in FIFA competitions.
England could therefore travel to Poland for the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, with a match against Canada scheduled for September 5. France and Spain have already announced their squads for the tournament.
Portugal, Italy and hosts Poland are also expected to participate, completing the European contingent at the competition.
The agreement with FIFA is also expected to pave the way for European teams to take part in future tournaments, including the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Infantino’s future remains a major issue
The boycott has not yet been formally called off, with the issue expected to be discussed at a meeting of the UEFA Executive Committee and European federation presidents in Monte Carlo on August 27.
The meeting will take place ahead of the UEFA Champions League draw and is also expected to address UEFA’s position on Infantino’s future as FIFA president.
Infantino is expected to seek re-election in March 2027, but his leadership has faced growing opposition from several major football confederations and national associations.
Italian federation withdraws support
The Italian Football Federation (FIGC) has become the latest major organisation to withdraw its support for Infantino’s re-election bid.
In a statement, FIGC said the decision was intended to clearly and transparently express its position regarding recent initiatives put forward by the FIFA president concerning the governance and development of international competitions.
UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC have previously joined forces in calling for Infantino to step down.
Infantino seeks support in Vietnam
Despite the growing pressure, Infantino continues to seek international backing.
On August 26, the FIFA president travelled to Vietnam, where he met President Tô Lâm in Hanoi. Discussions included investment in football infrastructure, coach and referee development, women’s football, school sports, youth football and the development of professional and national teams.
The visit comes as Infantino attempts to rebuild support following the collapse of the FFE proposal, which triggered significant criticism of FIFA’s governance and intensified tensions with UEFA.
The latest development could mark a significant de-escalation in the UEFA-FIFA dispute, although disagreements over FIFA’s governance, commercial strategy and Infantino’s leadership remain unresolved.