The massive scandal at FIFA continues: UEFA threatens to boycott the World Cup

Will Europe's major football teams boycott the World Cup? The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has announced that it has lost confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino and does not rule out extreme measures. The acute crisis erupted following a secret plan by Infantino to sell stakes in the World Cup tournament to private investors. Although the plan was officially canceled in recent days, UEFA clarifies that its conditions for calming the situation have not been met, and the English Football Association has already withdrawn its support for the president.

The tempting offer and the apology that was not enough

At the center of the storm is a proposal by Infantino to grant each football association 40 million dollars in exchange for support for bringing private investors into the men's and women's World Cup tournaments. UEFA called the move a "dark deal in closed rooms." At a meeting held in Morocco, FIFA admitted that mistakes were made and apologized for the fact that council members felt excluded from the process. However, UEFA is furious that Infantino is trying to evade personal responsibility and share the blame with his deputy, instead of providing clear answers regarding the identity of those involved in the deal.

Despite heavy European pressure, Infantino is not rushing to resign and enjoys support from countries outside Europe, such as the president of the Gambia Football Association who praised his courage. UEFA is trying to lead a move to oust him, but needs a majority of 106 associations out of the 211 members of FIFA — a task that currently seems difficult to achieve. A more realistic option is the presentation of a consensus candidate who will run against him in the presidential elections this coming March, with the hot name being mentioned as the president of CONCACAF, Victor Montagliani.

Is a European boycott on the way?

UEFA's ultimate weapon remains the threat of a boycott, which may be put to a practical test as early as September 5 at the U-20 Women's World Cup in Poland, in which six strong European teams are supposed to participate. If UEFA decides to carry out the dramatic threat and withdraw from official FIFA tournaments, the entire football world could enter into unprecedented chaos that will change the face of the game completely.