Uefa maintains boycott of Fifa despite Infantino withdrawing selloff plan

Uefa has confirmed that its 55 member associations will continue to boycott Fifa competitions. The decision remains in place despite Fifa President Gianni Infantino withdrawing a proposal to sell minority stakes in the World Cup and other major events.

European football leaders voted unanimously last Thursday to withdraw from all Fifa events following the initial selloff announcement. While Infantino has since retracted the plan and received backing from Fifa leadership during a meeting in Morocco, Uefa maintains that the withdrawal of the proposal is only one of its requirements for returning to collaboration.

Uefa stated that its associations require assurances that attempts to sell off major competitions will not be repeated. The governing body noted that these conditions have not been met. Furthermore, Uefa reiterated that it has lost confidence in the presidency of Gianni Infantino.

Uefa dismissed recent announcements that Fifa leadership supports the president, suggesting those individuals' careers depend on his favour. The continental body has also issued a document preservation letter to Fifa to ensure that no evidence relevant to potential future legal actions is destroyed.

Uefa vice president Laura McAllister noted the importance of finding a future president who can act as a custodian for the sport and unite global football. The first practical test of this boycott will occur on September 5 during the Fifa Women’s Under-20 World Cup in Poland.