Lucy Bronze backs UEFA's possible boycott of FIFA tournaments

Lucy Bronze, an England defender, voiced support for UEFA’s consideration of a boycott of all FIFA competitions, arguing it serves the long-term health of the game despite short-term damage to women's football. Her comments came during Chelsea’s pre-season trip to New Zealand, where she emphasized the need to protect future generations of players. The boycott follows FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s aborted proposal to sell stakes in its tournaments to private investors, a plan he later apologized for.

UEFA has indicated the boycott could still proceed, which would first impact the U-20 Women’s World Cup beginning on 5 September, featuring England, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and hosts Poland. If the boycott persists, European teams could miss the World Cup qualifiers in October and the U-17 Women’s World Cup in Morocco, jeopardising participation in the senior Women’s World Cup in Brazil. Former players Anita Asante and Baroness Campbell warned that women’s football would be the first casualty, and several national associations have already withdrawn support for Infantino.