UEFA abandons FIFA boycott threat after securing assurances on tournament ownership

UEFA announced it will drop its threat to boycott all FIFA tournaments, clearing the way for European sides to take part in the Under-20 Women’s World Cup slated for Poland next month. The move follows assurances that FIFA will not revive a proposal to sell a stake in its tournaments to private investors, a plan tied to the now-scrapped FIFA Forward Enterprises subsidiary. UEFA had insisted on guarantees that such commercial moves would never recur, and sources say those demands have been satisfied.

The organization will inform its executive committee and the presidents of its 55 member associations at a Monaco meeting on Thursday. Although the boycott is cancelled, UEFA has signaled it may pursue legal, arbitration or regulatory complaints regarding the original proposal. The Polish Football Association continues preparations, emphasizing the importance of the tournament for the young athletes.