UEFA has abandoned plans to boycott FIFA competitions but is continuing efforts to find a candidate to challenge FIFA President Gianni Infantino in next year’s presidential election. According to a report by BBC, the decision is expected to be formally confirmed at UEFA’s executive committee meeting in Monaco, with the……
UEFA has abandoned plans to boycott FIFA competitions but is continuing efforts to find a candidate to challenge FIFA President Gianni Infantino in next year’s presidential election.
According to a report by BBC, the decision is expected to be formally confirmed at UEFA’s executive committee meeting in Monaco, with the European body set to inform its 55 member associations and representatives on the FIFA Council that the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise plan will not be revived.
The development clears the way for England, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and hosts Poland to participate in the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland next week.
Despite dropping the boycott threat, UEFA remains determined to field a unity candidate against Infantino when he seeks another term in March.
A challenger would need the support of at least 106 of FIFA’s 211 member associations to win the election.
UEFA has also abandoned plans to seek a vote of no confidence against Infantino, as such a motion would require backing from 159 member associations, representing three-quarters of FIFA’s membership.
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No candidate has formally emerged to challenge Infantino, although CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani is reportedly being considered as a potential contender.
Nominations for the FIFA presidency will close on November 18.
UEFA reportedly believes that even if Infantino secures re-election in a closely fought contest, a significant reduction in his support could weaken his authority and raise questions over his legitimacy.
The European body had earlier threatened to boycott FIFA competitions over the proposed Forward Enterprise plan and demanded assurances that FIFA governance and competitions would not be opened to private ownership.
FIFA has welcomed UEFA’s decision to abandon the boycott threat, expressing satisfaction that all qualified European teams will take part in the Under-20 Women’s World Cup.
