FIFA to Continue Consultation Process Amid UEFA Boycott Threat

FIFA announced on Tuesday that it will press ahead with its ongoing consultation process concerning the format and scheduling of upcoming World Cup tournaments, despite a warning from UEFA that its members may boycott the events if their concerns are not addressed. The consultation, which began earlier this year, seeks input from national associations, clubs, players’ unions and broadcasters on issues ranging from the expansion of the finals to the allocation of match dates in the international calendar. UEFA’s president, Aleksander Čeferin, said the confederation would consider a collective boycott unless FIFA provides clearer guarantees on player welfare, club release windows and the financial distribution model for the expanded tournaments.

The standoff follows a series of disputes over the proposed 48‑team format and the inclusion of additional matchdays that could clash with domestic leagues. FIFA’s chief executive, Gianni Infantino, reiterated that the consultation is essential for “building a sustainable and inclusive World Cup” and that a decision will be taken after the feedback deadline in September. UEFA has urged FIFA to incorporate its proposals before finalizing any changes, warning that a boycott would affect the sport’s global calendar and commercial partners. Both organisations have agreed to keep dialogue open, with a joint meeting scheduled for late October to attempt a resolution before the next World Cup cycle begins.