England could still boycott the 2030 World Cup and other FIFA competitions, despite Gianni Infantino performing a U-turn on controversial private investment plans. The FIFA president had faced heavy criticism for proposals to sell stakes in the World Cup and other tournaments to private equity firms.
UEFA's stance remains firm
UEFA led the pushback against the plans, which were eventually scrapped. However, the European governing body has gone further, declaring a lack of confidence in Infantino. The English FA was among those to withdraw support for him ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election, with suggestions an alternative candidate could stand against him.
All 55 UEFA nations had unanimously agreed to boycott future FIFA tournaments until the private equity plans were withdrawn. Despite the U-turn, the boycott may still proceed, as UEFA's conditions have not been fully met.
UEFA's statement
In a statement relayed to Sky News, a UEFA spokesperson said: "UEFA's associations were very clear about the conditions attached to the non-participation in FIFA competitions. First, the proposals to sell off the major competitions had to be withdrawn, and secondly, assurances have to be made that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again.
"These conditions have not been met. In addition, UEFA made it abundantly clear in its statement on Saturday that it has lost confidence in Gianni Infantino's presidency. That position holds. Yesterday's announcement that some people employed by the FIFA President (and whose careers depend on his favour) agree with him changes nothing."
Infantino's response
Infantino and his close allies had opted to face down resignation calls this week. In a joint statement with FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom, Infantino said: "We acknowledge mistakes were made in the process of the proposed establishment of FFE. It was certainly not the intention for the FIFA Council and FIFA Member Associations to feel excluded from the process and it should have been handled differently.
"We acknowledge that errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media. We sincerely apologise for these errors and commit to them not happening again. With this in mind, we will conduct a necessary review, and a report will be presented to the FIFA Council at its next scheduled meeting."
