UEFA keeps FIFA boycott threat alive despite Infantino apology
UEFA has refused to soften its stance against FIFA, insisting its boycott threat remains until stronger governance guarantees are provided despite Gianni Infantino’s apology.
UEFA has reaffirmed its threat to boycott FIFA competitions, declaring that Gianni Infantino’s apology over the abandoned FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal does not satisfy its demands.
In a fresh statement, European football’s governing body said its conditions for lifting the boycott warning remain unmet and reiterated its loss of confidence in FIFA’s current leadership.
The dispute stems from FIFA’s now-withdrawn proposal to create FIFA Forward Enterprise, a commercial entity that would have allowed outside investors to acquire a minority stake in World Cup-related rights.
The plan sparked widespread opposition from UEFA and several continental federations, who argued that football’s premier competitions should not be commercialised without broad consultation.
Although FIFA has apologised for its handling of the proposal and pledged to review its governance processes, UEFA insists that further assurances are required before relations can improve.
The confederation also maintained that its earlier declaration of no confidence in Infantino remains unchanged despite the governing body’s reversal.
The latest exchange deepens one of the biggest governance disputes in modern football ahead of FIFA’s 2027 presidential election.
While Infantino continues to enjoy backing from several member associations, UEFA’s latest position suggests tensions between Europe’s governing body and FIFA are unlikely to ease without significant institutional reforms.
