UEFA releases statement revealing fresh boycott decision in direct message to Gianni Infantino

UEFA has lashed out at FIFA president Gianni Infantino in a damning statement reacting to his apology over the controversial World Cup sell-off plans.

Infantino's role as FIFA president has come under fire in recent weeks after his shock revelation of a bold plan to essentially sell shared in the World Cup.

The plans, led by Infantino personally, would have allowed "third parties to make minority, non-controlling investments” in a new subsidiary called the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).

Reportedly set to be worth around £15billion, the FFE would then be given some control over FIFA's commercial and events operations, including the World Cup.

Shortly after the announcement, UEFA released an unwavering statement condemning the plans and confirming that all 55 member associations would any FIFA competition if Infantino's plan progressed.

UEFA promised that, unless the proposal was abandoned and 'binding assurances' were given that a similar situation would happen, it would not participate in FIFA competitions.

Days later, FIFA confirmed that the FFE plans would no longer go ahead, with Infantiono releasing a statement apologising for the way the matter was handled.

But, in a damning response to the apology, UEFA has doubled down on its stance, confirming that the boycott would continue while reaffirming that it no long supports Infantino's role as president.

"UEFA's associations were very clear about the conditions attached to the non-participation in FIFA competitions," the statement read.

"First, the proposals to sell off the major competitions had to be withdrawn, and secondly, assurances have to be made that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again.

"These conditions have not been met. In addition, UEFA made it abundantly clear in its statement on Saturday that it has lost confidence in Gianni Infantino's presidency. That position holds.

"Yesterday's announcement that some people employed by the FIFA president (and whose careers depend on his favour) agree with him changes nothing."

More to follow..