Uefa boycott right thing for future of game - Bronze

What the report says

Lucy Bronze has said a possible Uefa boycott of Fifa competitions would be the “right thing” for football’s long-term future, even if women’s tournaments are the first to feel the impact. The England defender made the comments while speaking in New Zealand during Chelsea’s pre-season tour, as the dispute between European football and Fifa continued to hang over upcoming youth and senior events.

According to BBC Sport, the controversy began after Fifa president Gianni Infantino proposed selling stakes in competitions to private investors. Europe’s 55 member associations then voted to boycott all Fifa competitions until the idea was dropped. Although the investment plan has since been abandoned and Infantino has apologised for his “errors”, Uefa said in a statement on Thursday that the boycott could still be enforced.

The immediate concern is the Fifa Under-20 Women’s World Cup, which starts on 5 September and includes six European teams: England, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and hosts Poland. BBC Sport reported that if Uefa maintains its position, those sides could be affected, and wider disruption could follow for women’s football calendars.

Bronze said players should stand by what they believe is right for the game’s future. BBC Sport also noted concern from other figures in the women’s game, including former England defender Anita Asante and Baroness Campbell, who both warned that women’s competitions could be the first casualties if the dispute is not resolved.