Is Infantino finished? Could Uefa boycott World Cup? What happens now?

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that European football has entered a major confrontation with Fifa after Uefa said its national associations would refuse to take part in Fifa competitions if president Gianni Infantino’s disputed funding proposal is approved. The plan involves selling a 20% stake in a new Fifa-controlled subsidiary that would run competitions including the World Cup, with private investment involved. Uefa’s statement was followed by Concacaf saying its 41 members had rejected the proposals.

The immediate uncertainty is practical as well as political. BBC Sport says the deadline for associations to accept the deal is 19 September, with payments of $20m due on 1 January for those backing it. That timing could affect tournaments already under way or approaching, including the Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland and Women’s World Cup play-offs involving several European teams. Uefa vice-president Laura McAllister told BBC Radio 5 Live that no one wanted players or nations to suffer, but argued Fifa had created the dispute.

The crisis also raises questions about Infantino’s authority before a Fifa presidential election in March, where he had been expected to stand again with limited opposition. BBC Sport reports anger among European officials over what they view as inadequate consultation, while sources suggested many Concacaf members have lost confidence in his leadership. The Football Association and Scottish FA both backed Uefa’s position.

Former FA chairman David Bernstein told BBC Sport he doubted a long-term split would benefit either side, given Europe’s commercial and sporting weight in Fifa events. He said Fifa needs European participation, while Europe also needs to remain part of the global system.