UEFA Insists on Boycotting World Cup Tournaments
The European Union clarified in a statement obtained by AFP: “The member associations of UEFA were very clear about the conditions linked to their non-participation in FIFA competitions.”
In addition to the withdrawal of the “FIFA Forward” project—a demand that has been met—the European Union is calling for “guarantees that such attempts to damage football in this manner will not be repeated.” UEFA affirmed that “these conditions have not been met,” renewing its “loss of confidence in President Gianni Infantino.”
The day before, FIFA leadership, following an emergency meeting of its senior officials in Morocco, acknowledged the existence of “mistakes” and offered “apologies” for its failed plan to create a commercial entity open to foreign investors.
At the same time, the global governing body of football expressed its “full support” for its president, “the only official elected by FIFA’s 211 member associations.”
In its statement, UEFA responded: “The statement issued the previous day (by FIFA) by a few individuals working for the FIFA President (whose careers depend on his approval), who declared their consent, changes nothing.”
Infantino, the only declared candidate for re-election in March 2027, has faced sharp criticism since the sudden announcement last Tuesday of his plan, which was ultimately withdrawn between Friday night and Saturday following strong opposition, particularly from UEFA, as well as from the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF).
The Confederation of African Football (CAF), which is more supportive of Infantino, is holding a meeting of its executive committee in Cairo on Thursday, where it is expected to reaffirm its support for him.
In contrast, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) welcomed FIFA’s withdrawal of its private investor plan on Thursday, while expressing “concern over repeated unilateral actions.”
The confederation’s statement read: “In light of events affecting the football family, the CONMEBOL Council, meeting today, welcomes FIFA’s decision to withdraw the FIFA Forward project proposal.”
It added: “The Council also unanimously expresses its concern over repeated unilateral actions taken without resorting to dialogue or established institutional mechanisms to address such cases.”
CONMEBOL, which had previously announced its support for Infantino’s bid for a fourth and final term next year, said it was regrettable that the brilliance of the successful World Cup hosting overshadowed subsequent events.
It stated: “Within a few days, football has shifted from being the center of global attention thanks to hosting an exceptional sporting event to becoming the focus of public debate on issues related to its governance.”
Nevertheless, despite the criticism, North American unions have confirmed that they will not support any move to remove Infantino except in the Rabat elections next March.
