Uefa says boycott of World Cups stands despite Fifa backdown on private investment
Uefa said that while one of its conditions had been met, the second condition for withdrawing its threat had not been fulfilled.
European football's governing body Uefa has affirmed their ongoing boycott of the men's and women's World Cups, despite Fifa withdrawing their proposal to permit private investment in the competitions. Uefa's decision to stand firm against Fifa's plan was reportedly a crucial factor in its shelving. While Uefa's initial stance was a key element in the withdrawal of the plan, they emphasized on Thursday that the second condition - assurances against future attempts to tarnish the game - had not been satisfied.
Uefa's statement highlighted that both conditions set by Uefa for their non-participation were still unmet. Uefa had commended the withdrawal of the proposal on Saturday but maintained their disapproval of Fifa president Gianni Infantino's "shabby, backroom, opaque deal". Their stance remained unchanged, with Uefa stating they had lost confidence in Infantino's presidency.
Despite an emergency meeting of senior Fifa directors in Morocco expressing support for Infantino, Uefa dismissed this as inconsequential, citing the leaked email from Fifa secretary-general Mattias Grafstrom that criticized the plan. The proposal, introduced by Fifa last Tuesday, was aimed at generating up to US$4.2 billion, with potential benefits including a US$20 million payment to each of Fifa's 211 member associations in 2027.
However, following widespread criticism, Infantino was compelled to retract his proposal days later.
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