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"First, the proposals to sell off the major competitions had to be withdrawn, and secondly, assurances have to be made that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again.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

Should UEFA continue to stand firm, it should mean that they will be absent from next month's Women's U20 World Cup, which England are currently set to compete in.

The first senior test will come in a few months as England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland are among the European sides set to compete in the 2027 Women's World Cup qualifier play-offs in October.

Starting in June next year, the Women's World Cup could be heavily impacted by the boycott.

READ MORE: Gianni Infantino told to 'go now' with furious statement issued after FIFA crisis meeting call

When Gianni Infantino could lose his job as FIFA president

UEFA's statement will no doubt pile further pressure on Infantino amid calls for him to lose his job as FIFA president.

As it stands, the Swiss is set to stand for re-election in March, as he hopes to secure a fourth and final term as president of football's governing body.

To do so, he would need 106 votes from FIFA's 211 members, something which looks increasingly unlikely as England and several other national associations have already withdrawn letters of support for his re-election.

Infantino could lose his job sooner if a vote of no confidence is called, with 20% of FIFA members (43 countries) needed to call for an emergency FIFA where they can then request that a vote to dismiss the president be put on the agenda.