No Change After Infantino’s Rabat Meeting
UEFA has confirmed it will continue its boycott of FIFA competitions, despite a fresh attempt from Gianni Infantino to steady the ship. European football’s governing body told talkSPORT its position hasn’t shifted, even after senior FIFA leadership rallied behind the president during Wednesday’s meeting in Rabat, Morocco.
The dispute traces back to Infantino’s controversial proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. That plan, reportedly aiming to raise over $20 billion through a new entity, sparked immediate backlash across the football world. Both Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation rejected it outright, while UEFA’s 55 member associations voted unanimously to boycott all FIFA competitions unless the proposal was withdrawn entirely.
Under mounting pressure, FIFA eventually abandoned the plan. Still, UEFA made clear that scrapping the proposal alone wouldn’t be enough. Their statement laid out two firm conditions. First, the sell-off plan needed full withdrawal. Second, FIFA had to provide binding assurances that such attempts would never resurface.
“These conditions have not been met,” UEFA said bluntly. Moreover, the organisation reiterated that it has lost confidence in Infantino’s leadership altogether, a position first stated last Saturday. That stance, they insist, remains unchanged regardless of this week’s developments in Morocco.
Wednesday’s meeting saw senior FIFA figures publicly back Infantino, acknowledging that “mistakes were made” while reaffirming their support for his presidency. UEFA wasn’t swayed. Instead, the response was pointed and dismissive. “Yesterday’s announcement that some people employed by the FIFA president, and whose careers depend on his favour, agree with him changes nothing,” the statement read.
Boycott Threat Extends Beyond The World Cup
Crucially, this standoff isn’t limited to the men’s World Cup. Reports suggest UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin is now exploring a boycott of the 2029 Club World Cup as well, widening the scope of the dispute considerably. Talks with European Football Clubs chairman Nasser Al-Khelaifi are reportedly planned in the coming days.
The stakes extend further into women’s football, too. Sources have warned that a prolonged standoff could turn the sport into a political battleground, particularly with the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil approaching. An early test arrives sooner, though. Poland is scheduled to host the Women’s U20 World Cup in September, and UEFA’s boycott stance could complicate participation almost immediately.
Financial incentives haven’t softened UEFA’s position either. Infantino reportedly offered $20 million to each of FIFA’s 211 member associations as part of efforts to smooth over the controversy. That gesture, tied to a mid-September deadline, hasn’t altered Europe’s calculations in the slightest.
A Presidency Under Genuine Pressure
Infantino’s grip on FIFA now looks shakier than at any point in his tenure. Only weeks ago, he appeared destined for an unopposed fourth term, with elections scheduled for FIFA’s Congress in Rabat next March. That path suddenly looks far less certain.
Analysts increasingly expect at least one serious challenger to emerge before the November 18 candidacy deadline. UEFA’s continued defiance only strengthens that possibility, keeping sustained pressure on Infantino as football’s power struggle plays out.
For now, both sides remain at an impasse. FIFA hoped this week’s meeting would restore confidence, according to ESPN, yet UEFA’s response suggests trust remains firmly broken. Readers following this unfolding governance battle and its impact on international football can find continued coverage on KCPredict.