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UEFA Keeps World Cup Boycott Threat After Infantino Apology

about 2 hours ago2 MIN
UEFA Keeps World Cup Boycott Threat After Infantino Apology

Summary

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has tried to contain the backlash over a proposed sale of equity in the World Cup and other competitions by admitting mistakes, apologizing to national associations and promising an internal review, but UEFA says the response is insufficient . UEFA stated that it had set clear conditions, including withdrawal of the equity-sale proposal and guarantees that such conduct would never be repeated, and said those conditions remain unmet . It also reiterated that it has lost confidence in Infantino's leadership, while SingTao reported that European football powers could boycott the 2030 World Cup unless he resigns . The dispute has widened with FIFPRO accusing Infantino of a grave abuse of power and demanding structural changes at FIFA .

Key Points

  • Infantino acknowledged errors in the proposed sale of World Cup-related equity, issued an apology, and promised an internal review after a closed-door meeting in a Morocco hotel .
  • UEFA said its two core demands were withdrawal of the sale proposal and binding assurances that similar actions would never again threaten football's structure .
  • Despite FIFA's full backing for Infantino, UEFA said it still has no confidence in him as president and warned the crisis remains unresolved .
  • SingTao reported UEFA wants Infantino to resign, or leading European teams such as Spain, England, France and Germany may boycott the 2030 World Cup .
  • FIFPRO denounced the failed FFE plan as a severe abuse of presidential authority and urged structural reform, including stronger player representation in FIFA governance .

Why It Matters

The row goes beyond one withdrawn commercial proposal because it raises questions about who controls football's biggest tournaments and how major decisions are made inside FIFA . If UEFA follows through on boycott threats, the legitimacy and commercial value of the 2030 World Cup could be severely damaged, while pressure for governance reform would intensify across the global game .