Story by Archie Griggs
England and other UEFA nations will reportedly withdraw their threat to boycott the next World Cup after Gianni Infantino scrapped his controversial plan to sell stakes in the tournament to private investors. The proposal sparked outrage from all corners of the football world, forcing the FIFA president into a dramatic U-turn. UEFA nations threatened to boycott the tournament unless the plan was reversed, with several other confederations also voicing their disapproval.
After it was scrapped, UEFA clarified their stance, saying that wouldn’t be enough on its own. They explained that a condition for European teams to participate in FIFA competitions would be “assurances such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again”.
UEFA have since received those assurances, which will be discussed in meetings being staged in Monaco later this week, according to Sky News.
The report adds that as a result, the 55 member nations, including England, are expected to drop their boycott threat in due course.
However, they are said to be considering other forms of protest against Infantino’s embattled FIFA presidency, which could also be discussed in Monaco.
Since his plan to sell stakes in the World Cup was revealed, Infantino has lost support from many nations around the world, including within the organisation itself.
Before scrapping the proposal, his right-hand man Carlos Cordeiro branded it “a bad deal for football” and resigned in protest.
England and other UEFA nations are set to withdraw their boycott threat© Getty
Later on, a leaked internal memo written by FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom described the saga as “a sad and reproachable series of events”.
Addressing employees, he wrote: “We have all been thrown into the middle of a turmoil, which is difficult to comprehend and accept, but, as Secretary General, I urge you to remain focused on what has always united us: serving football and serving our 211 Member Associations, hand in hand with all relevant stakeholders and in full compliance with the FIFA Statutes and FIFA Regulations.
“I assure you that you as members of the administration, you will be defended and safeguarded from the political context we currently experience. You do not need to worry.
“Individuals, unstable moments and unfortunate episodes come and go. The institution, its mission and its responsibility towards world football continue, and that is why we should always keep our professionalism, sense of perspective and composure.”
