UEFA has backed away from a threatened boycott of FIFA competitions, ending a dispute that had raised the possibility of several European teams missing the upcoming FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland.
The decision follows assurances that FIFA will not revive the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which had triggered strong opposition from European football associations.
UEFA’s 55 member associations and its representatives on the FIFA Council are expected to formally confirm the decision at an executive committee meeting in Monaco.
The reversal clears the way for England, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and hosts Poland to take part in the Under-20 Women’s World Cup, which begins next week.
However, UEFA’s decision to abandon the boycott should not be interpreted as an end to its broader dispute with FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
The European governing body is reportedly seeking a unity candidate capable of challenging Infantino when he stands for re-election in March.
Infantino has led FIFA since February 2016 and will need at least 106 of FIFA’s 211 member associations to secure another term. UEFA reportedly believes the election could be more competitive than previous contests.
European officials have, however, dropped plans to pursue a formal vote of no confidence against Infantino. Such a move would require the support of three-quarters of FIFA’s membership, equivalent to 159 votes.
No challenger has formally declared a candidacy, although CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani has been mentioned as a potential opponent. Nominations are expected to close on November 18.
The dispute began over the proposed FFE initiative, with European associations seeking guarantees that FIFA would not open its governance structures or competitions to private ownership.
FIFA welcomed UEFA’s decision to withdraw the boycott threat, saying it was pleased that all qualified nations would be able to participate in the women’s tournament.
The disagreement over Infantino’s leadership has also extended beyond football’s governing bodies, with former players divided over his record.
Former internationals including Mikael Silvestre, Lucy Bronze, Emmanuel Petit and David James have backed calls for change at FIFA.
Others, including Brazil World Cup-winning captain Cafu, former Italy striker Christian Vieri, Pepe and Esteban Cambiasso, have publicly defended Infantino and expressed support for his continued leadership.
With the immediate boycott threat now removed, attention will shift towards UEFA’s next move and whether European football can rally behind a single candidate to challenge Infantino in March.
