Infantino’s FIFA presidency under pressure as Irish FA withdraws support

European soccer body UEFA is poised to officially end its boycott threat against FIFA following assurances that Gianni Infantino's failed World Cup investment plan will not be reinstated. UEFA's member federations convene in Monaco on Thursday ahead of the Champions League draw, where they are anticipated to lift the boycott threat, according to a source familiar with the proposal.

The person spoke under condition of anonymity, as the meeting is private. By ruling out the boycott, UEFA clears six European teams to prepare for the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup set to commence on September 5 in Poland. France, Spain, England, Italy, Portugal, and host Poland are among the teams already confirmed. Infantino sparked global outrage last month when he unveiled a $20 billion subsidiary to control FIFA commercial rights, including the World Cup, with 20% ownership by investors led by a New York fund founded by Joshua Kushner.

The plan was revealed by The Times and was shelved within four days due to widespread backlash, primarily from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF. The controversy was fueled by criticism of the proposal and Infantino from FIFA officials. Ahead of the meeting, UEFA had expressed lack of confidence in Infantino's leadership, signaling its intent to prevent his re-election in March 2024.

FIFA had previously set a November 18 deadline for candidates to enter the presidential race, four months prior to the vote by 211 member federations in Rabat, Morocco. Infantino seemed certain to be re-elected unopposed for a fourth and final term until the chaos generated by his investment plan.