Uefa abandons tournament boycott but continues campaign against Infantino
Uefa has withdrawn its threat to boycott Fifa competitions, allowing the Under-20 Women's World Cup to proceed with European teams. However, European football's governing body will still pursue efforts to unseat Gianni Infantino as Fifa president. A unity candidate may emerge before the March re-election, with the vote expected to be tight.
The FFE proposal, which Uefa feared would open Fifa's governance and competitions to private ownership, has been formally shelved, clearing the path for European participation in the Under-20 Women's World Cup in Poland. England, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain, and the hosts are among the six European sides confirmed for the tournament. Uefa's membership will receive a written guarantee that the plan will not resurface, with the official confirmation expected at Thursday's executive committee meeting in Monaco.
The campaign against Infantino now shifts toward the March election, where 106 votes from the 211 member associations are required for victory. With nominations closing on 18 November, no challenger has yet emerged publicly, though Concacaf's Victor Montagliani is viewed as a credible contender. The recent public split among former players—some calling for change, others praising Infantino's decade of work—underscores the deep divisions surrounding Fifa's leadership.
This power struggle could reshape global football governance, affecting how the sport is administered across 211 member associations. If Infantino wins narrowly, his weakened mandate may embolden confederations to push for reforms, while a successful challenger could alter funding priorities and development programs. Players, particularly women's teams who depend on Fifa tournaments for exposure, may see their opportunities shift depending on the outcome. The dispute also signals that football's leadership remains contested terrain, with implications for transparency and accountability that extend beyond the pitch.