UEFA keeps FIFA competition boycott in place

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) announced on Thursday that the boycott targeting FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, remains in place despite FIFA's decision to abandon its plan to open itself up to external investors.

"UEFA member associations have been very clear about the conditions related to their non-participation in FIFA competitions," the European governing body said in a statement sent to AFP.

In addition to FIFA withdrawing the project—a demand that has now been met—UEFA is seeking "guarantees that such attempts to distort football in this way will never happen again," CE Report quotes AGERPRES.

"These conditions have not been met," UEFA said, reiterating that it has "lost confidence in the presidency of Gianni Infantino."

A day earlier, FIFA leadership, following an emergency meeting of its senior staff held in Morocco, acknowledged "mistakes" and apologized for its failed plan to create a commercial entity open to external investors.

At the same time, world football's governing body expressed its "full support" for its president, describing him as "the only official elected by FIFA's 211 member associations."

"Yesterday's statement from FIFA, made by a few individuals employed by the FIFA president (whose careers depend on his favor), declaring that they agree with him, changes nothing," UEFA responded sharply.

Infantino, the only declared candidate for re-election in March 2027, has faced criticism since the surprise announcement last Tuesday of his plan, which was ultimately withdrawn late Friday evening after strong opposition, particularly from UEFA and also CONCACAF (North, Central America, and the Caribbean).

The Confederation of African Football (CAF), which is much more supportive of Infantino, is holding an executive committee meeting in Cairo on Thursday, after which it is expected to reaffirm its support for him.

Photo: Instagram/UEFA