European football nations look set to back down on their threat to boycott FIFA competitions after reportedly receiving assurances from the world governing body.
The development is expected to end an immediate standoff between UEFA and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, after a controversial proposal which had sparked strong opposition from European football officials.
Last month, it was reported that UEFA threatened to withdraw European teams from FIFA competitions over concerns raised about Infantino’s plan to sell shares in a commercial venture linked to the World Cup to private investors.
Infantino eventually dropped the proposal but UEFA said European teams would need assurances that no similar attempts to change the structure of the game would happen again.
Sky News says the assurances have now been given and are expected to be discussed at meetings in Monaco on Thursday.
This development means England and other European countries are expected to take part in the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland next week as scheduled.
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Their presence will finally end, at least for the time being, the danger of a European boycott of FIFA tournaments.
The tournament will be the first FIFA event since a dispute over Infantino’s proposed commercial deal plunged his leadership into one of its biggest political crises.
UEFA has been prominently involved in attempts to challenge Infantino’s leadership, with reports suggesting some FIFA vise presidents from Asia, Europe and North America have also backed the push.
The U-20 Women’s World Cup will also provide Infantino with a chance to make a public appearance as FIFA president, despite the ongoing divisions within the organization.
The next major FIFA tournament is reportedly the Women’s World Cup in June 2027. But the tournament will follow the FIFA election of a president, set for March next year.
Infantino has not yet made his stance on the election public, while potential candidates have until November to gather support from at least five football associations to enter the race.
