UEFA has dropped its proposed boycott of FIFA competitions but is continuing efforts to produce a joint candidate capable of challenging Gianni Infantino in next year’s FIFA presidential election.
The governing body is expected to formally communicate the decision to its 55 member associations and its representatives on the FIFA Council, confirming that the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan will not be brought back.
According to BBC Sport, UEFA’s executive committee is expected to ratify the withdrawal of the boycott at its meeting in Monaco on Thursday.
The move clears the way for the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland to go ahead next week with all six European qualifiers involved. England, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and hosts Poland are among the participating teams.
Despite abandoning the boycott, UEFA remains determined to identify a unity candidate to oppose Infantino when he seeks another term in March.
“A candidate needs the support of 106 of FIFA’s 211 member associations to win, and UEFA believes the contest could be closely fought,” BBC Sport added.
UEFA has also dropped its proposal for a vote of no confidence against Infantino, recognising that such an effort would require the backing of 159 of FIFA’s 211 members, representing three-quarters of the organisation.
No official challenger has emerged so far, although Concacaf president Victor Montagliani is considered one of the leading potential contenders.
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Candidates have until November 18 to submit their nominations for the FIFA presidency.
UEFA believes that even if Infantino secures re-election in a tightly contested vote, a significant reduction in his support could weaken his position and raise questions about his legitimacy.
The latest development follows a vote last month in which UEFA’s 55 associations agreed to boycott FIFA competitions until the Forward Enterprise proposal was completely abandoned and binding assurances were given that FIFA would not reopen its governance structure or competitions to private ownership.
FIFA welcomed UEFA’s decision to end the boycott, saying it was pleased that all qualified teams would be able to participate in the upcoming Under-20 Women’s World Cup.
The world football governing body also said football could serve as a unifying force during challenging times and reaffirmed its commitment to advancing the sport through dialogue with the confederations and other stakeholders.