UEFA Maintains FIFA Boycott Despite Apology

UEFA is continuing its boycott of all FIFA-related events despite an apology from FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

UEFA’s 55 member federations unanimously approved the boycott at an emergency meeting on July 30 after Infantino announced a plan to raise billions in private equity through a new entity called FIFA Forward Enterprise. The plan involved selling ownership shares in the World Cup.

FIFA has since shelved the plan and apologized for errors in how it was communicated. UEFA, however, is also demanding assurances that similar proposals will not be revived and says it has lost confidence in Infantino’s leadership.

FIFA expressed full confidence in Infantino following an emergency meeting in Morocco, highlighting a growing divide in world football.

The Confederation of African Football’s executive committee, representing 54 member associations, has reaffirmed its support for Infantino. The Mexican Football Federation has also backed his leadership. UEFA, meanwhile, says its position remains unchanged.

(Reuters, mja)