By Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw
UEFA has announced that its boycott of FIFA competitions is being withdrawn but it will continue with its attempt to remove Gianni Infantino as FIFA President.
This follows receiving a letter which guarantees that the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal will not be revived.
This means that the FIFA Under-20 Women's World Cup will go ahead next week in Poland with six European teams competing, namely, England, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and Poland.
UEFA has also abandoned the possibility of trying to force a vote of no confidence, which is not considered to be a realistic option.
A FIFA spokesperson welcomed these developments and stated that:
"It strongly believes that football has the power to unite, even in challenging circumstances …. [and]…. remains committed to developing the game in full dialogue with the confederations and stakeholders."
It appears that Infantino will present himself for re-election at the 77th FIFA Congress on 18 March 2027, to be held in Rabat, Morocco, but a so-called unity candidate to oppose him remains to be found, who must be nominated by 18 November 2026.
Victor Montagliani, the President of CONCACAF, is reputed to be such a candidate.
Prof Dr Ian Blackshaw may be contacted by e-mail at ‘