UEFA is set to abandon its threat to boycott FIFA tournaments following assurances that plans to sell stakes in the World Cup and other major competitions will not be revived, according to sources familiar with the discussions. This development comes amid Italy's withdrawal of support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino's candidacy in next year's presidential election. France is also considering its position.

Italy's national football federation (FIGC) issued a statement expressing its position in full agreement with UEFA and its president Aleksander Ceferin regarding recent initiatives promoted by Infantino concerning the governance and development of international competitions. Meanwhile, European Leagues president Claudius Schaefer told The Athletic that Infantino has no future at FIFA and that the governing body requires reform.

FIFA had withdrawn its controversial proposal in July that initially triggered opposition from UEFA's 55 member associations and the boycott threat. A FIFA spokesperson confirmed that all qualified teams would participate in the upcoming Under-20 Women's World Cup in Poland next month, the first major tournament potentially affected by the dispute.

"FIFA is pleased that all qualified teams will be participating in the upcoming FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup," the spokesperson said. "FIFA strongly believes that football has the power to unite, even in challenging circumstances, and looks forward to welcoming all teams and players to Poland."

UEFA officials are expected to inform the governing body's executive committee and the presidents of most member associations at a meeting in Monaco on Friday, August 29th, 2026, that the conditions for lifting the boycott have been met.

Pressure on Infantino continues to build, with Philippe Diallo, president of the French Football Federation, stating that France will decide its stance at its executive committee meeting next month.

FIGC emphasized that "the actions and insistence on change will continue," signaling ongoing calls for reform despite the boycott being lifted.

Sources