UEFA set to lift FIFA boycott threat as Italy drops support for Infantino

UEFA is poised to lift its threat of boycotting FIFA tournaments after receiving assurances that plans to sell stakes in major competitions would not be revived, sources revealed on Wednesday. This comes as Italy, a member of FIFA, withdrew its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino. Italy joins a growing list of national football federations distancing themselves from Infantino, who faces increasing pressure to resign.

The UEFA and its 55 member associations had previously agreed to boycott FIFA competitions following the revelation of a proposal that triggered widespread opposition. However, FIFA decided in July to withdraw the proposal, which a FIFA spokesperson confirmed would allow all qualified teams to participate in the upcoming Under-20 Women's World Cup in Poland.

The withdrawal of the proposal has eased tensions between UEFA and FIFA, with UEFA officials expected to inform the executive committee and member presidents at a meeting in Monaco on Thursday that conditions for lifting the boycott have been met. UEFA has been advocating for the withdrawal of the proposal and assurances that similar plans would not be pursued again.

Italian Football Federation (FIGC) President Carlo Tavecchio stated that the FIGC's decision to withdraw its support for Infantino's candidacy in the upcoming FIFA presidential election is a clear and transparent expression of the FIGC's position, in full agreement with UEFA and its president Aleksander Ceferin, regarding Infantino's recent initiatives on governance and development of international competitions.

Pressure continues to mount on Infantino, with the Presidents of the French Football Federation and other confederations calling for his resignation.