In a blockbuster shift within football’s hierarchy, UEFA says the boycotting of major tournaments – including the World Cup – could still happen because the FA has pulled its backing for FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
The fallout started when Infantino floated selling stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The plan was rejected, but the reaction got strong: the English FA threw in a letter that they’re no longer behind him. UEFA, outraged by the move, stated it hadn’t met its own conditions and called Infantino’s proposal “shabby” and “opaque”.
Infantino’s apology didn’t cool tensions. UEFA’s statement says that even if his proposals were abandoned, that doesn’t change anything. It also lost confidence in the president and warned that his supporters “will not make any difference”.
The next big test comes with the Women's U‑20 World Cup in Poland next month – six European teams, including England, will be on the field. UEFA could use the event to see if the boycott threat holds water or if Infantino gets a new chalk to survive.
What’s at stake? If UEFA fails to negotiate, it could mean a painful scramble for European clubs and a clash with FIFA’s global club‑vision. The next months are crucial for both bodies as they juggle politics, money and the game people love.
