Uefa set to drop Fifa tournament boycott threat

What the report says

Uefa is expected to abandon its threat to boycott Fifa competitions after receiving assurances over governance changes, according to BBC Sport. The European governing body had warned that it would stay away from Fifa events unless it was satisfied that a proposed move to sell stakes in World Cup-related commercial rights to private investors would not be repeated.

The issue is due to be discussed by Uefa’s executive committee in Monaco on Thursday. BBC Sport says the likely reversal would clear the way for next month’s Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland to go ahead as scheduled, with England, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and hosts Poland among the European teams entered. The earlier boycott threat had been tied to concerns over private ownership and wider demands for binding assurances that such plans would not return.

The report says the dispute is not being seen by all parties as settled, even if the boycott threat is lifted. A source close to the talks told BBC Sport that pressure for broader change would continue. Separately, UK culture secretary Lisa Nandy has said she does not support sporting boycotts, arguing they can punish athletes who are not responsible for the dispute.

In general terms, the row highlights ongoing tensions between European football officials and Fifa over governance, commercial control and the role of private investment in the game.