UEFA Backs Down from FIFA Boycott Threat

UEFA is set to formally withdraw its threat to boycott FIFA tournaments, according to sources familiar with the matter, after receiving assurances that controversial plans to sell shares in the World Cup and other major competitions will not be revived.

The decision follows FIFA's withdrawal of its original proposal in July, after the plan sparked strong opposition from all 55 UEFA member associations. UEFA officials are due to tell their executive committee and the presidents of the national associations in Monaco on Thursday that the conditions for lifting the boycott have been met.

The main goal of withdrawing the threat was to protect players from missing out on once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. European teams can now prepare without restriction for the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup in Poland, which kicks off on 5 September.

Although the immediate risk of a boycott has passed, UEFA plans to continue applying political pressure on FIFA and campaigning against its president, Gianni Infantino.

(Reuters, max)