UCL DRAW: UEFA SET TO WITHDRAW FIFA BOYCOTT THREAT

European football body UEFA is expected to withdraw its threat to boycott FIFA competitions after receiving assurances that controversial plans to bring private investment into major tournaments will not be revived.

The development comes as UEFA member associations meet in Monaco ahead of the draw for this season’s UEFA Champions League.

The dispute between UEFA and FIFA began after reports emerged that FIFA President Gianni Infantino was considering a proposal that could allow private investors to acquire stakes linked to the commercial rights of major FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.

UEFA strongly opposed the proposal, raising concerns about the growing commercialisation of global football and the possible influence of private investors over major international competitions.

FIFA later abandoned the proposal, but UEFA had continued to demand assurances that similar plans would not be introduced in the future.

Reports indicate that FIFA has now provided the guarantees sought by UEFA, paving the way for European football associations to formally withdraw their boycott threat.

The decision would ensure that European national teams continue participating in upcoming FIFA competitions, including the Under-20 Women’s World Cup.

However, the resolution of the boycott threat does not necessarily end wider tensions between UEFA and FIFA.

Several European football officials have continued to question FIFA’s governance and leadership, particularly following the controversy surrounding the abandoned investment proposal.

The UEFA meeting is expected to take place ahead of the Champions League draw, with the latest developments adding an extra dimension to one of European football’s biggest events.

The withdrawal of the boycott threat could help prevent a deeper division between two of football’s most influential governing bodies while allowing European teams to continue competing in FIFA tournaments.