UEFA set to end threat of FIFA events boycott over Infantino’s failed World Cup investor plan

European soccer governing body UEFA is poised to officially end its threat to boycott FIFA events following assurances that the failed World Cup sell-off plan introduced by FIFA President Gianni Infantino will not be resurrected. UEFA's member federations convene in Monaco on Thursday ahead of the Champions League draw, where they are anticipated to officially terminate the boycott, according to a source familiar with the proposal.

The source requested anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the meeting. This decision will enable six European teams to proceed with preparations for the upcoming FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup, scheduled to commence on September 5 in Poland. Notable participants include France, Spain, England, Italy, Portugal, and host Poland.

Infantino ignited widespread controversy in mid-August when he unveiled a $20 billion subsidiary aimed at controlling FIFA's commercial rights, including the World Cup, according to British newspaper The Times. The proposed spinoff was to be 20% owned by investors led by a New York fund established by Joshua Kushner. Infantino's plan was swiftly met with vehement opposition from soccer leaders globally, leading UEFA to threaten a boycott, supported by the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF.

The backlash was amplified by criticism directed at the plan and Infantino himself by senior FIFA officials. In response, UEFA expressed on August 1 that it lacked confidence in Infantino's leadership, signaling its intention to prevent his reelection in March of the following year.