UEFA set to withdraw FIFA boycott threat ahead of Champions League draw

The UEFA presidency has reportedly agreed to abandon its threatened boycott of FIFA tournaments ahead of the Champions League draw, according to sources. The dispute arose over proposed private financing for FIFA's biggest events, including the World Cup and Club World Cup. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin had labelled the proposal a "shady, opaque backroom deal" and threatened to boycott FIFA if it remained alive.

However, UEFA executives and European member associations met in Monaco before the Champions League draw, leading sources to confirm the boycott threat would likely be withdrawn. The deal's potential disfiguring impact on the game was a concern, but UEFA believes the situation has now been resolved. The Under-20 Women's World Cup will take place in Poland next month, while European qualifying for the 2027 Women's World Cup continues in Brazil.

Meanwhile, elite club football resumes as the leading leagues in Europe compete in the Champions League. Paris Saint-Germain, the defending champions, aim to secure a third consecutive title, while Real Madrid, the last team to achieve the feat in the 2016-2018 season, will face competition from the continent's richest clubs.