UEFA has indicated that its member nations retain the option to boycott FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, even after Gianni Infantino issued an apology for his unsuccessful attempt to sell stakes in the tournament.
During a meeting of FIFA’s senior leadership in Rabat, Morocco, on Wednesday, the governing body acknowledged that “mistakes were made” regarding the proposal but expressed its “full support” for Infantino’s presidency.
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After FIFA’s controversial World Cup privatization plans were unveiled, UEFA’s member nations declared their intention to boycott all FIFA tournaments, and they reaffirmed this stance on Thursday.
“UEFA’s associations were very clear about the conditions under which they would withdraw from FIFA competitions,” stated UEFA. “Firstly, the proposals to sell off the major competitions must be withdrawn, and secondly, reassurances must be provided that such attempts to undermine the game will not occur again.”
“These conditions have not been satisfied. Furthermore, UEFA made it clear in its statement on Saturday that it has lost confidence in Gianni Infantino’s presidency. That position remains unchanged.”
Infantino faced more challenges as the global soccer players union FIFPRO accused him of “a profound abuse of presidential power.”
The English Football Association also withdrew its support for Infantino’s re-election.
Even Amnesty International highlighted that the “current crisis underscores the urgent need for governance reforms.”
Despite the turmoil, FIFA and Infantino attempted to present a united front following the Morocco summit, asserting that the president had the full backing of the senior staff who attended.
FIFA also issued an apology for the errors surrounding its controversial plan to commercialize World Cup profits and committed to preventing similar issues in the future.
The governing body expressed hope that the meeting would “help restore confidence” in FIFA after the backlash stemming from Infantino’s now-abandoned project.
UEFA had previously signaled its willingness to withdraw from FIFA competitions should the plan proceed. Even after Infantino’s rapid retraction, UEFA asserted its loss of confidence in FIFA’s leadership, setting the stage for a potential challenge to his presidency.
In its resolute statement, UEFA emphasized that its position remains firm, stating, “Yesterday’s announcement that some individuals working with the FIFA president, whose careers depend on his favor, agree with him changes nothing.”
FIFA’s proposal had already faced rejection from North America’s soccer governing body, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Ultimately, FIFA abandoned its plans to privatize the World Cup, with prominent figures within the organization, including Arsène Wenger and Secretary-General Mattias Grafström, distancing themselves from the proposal.
However, Grafström was among the FIFA leadership group that openly supported Infantino on Thursday, even as calls for his resignation intensified.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.