UEFA has abandoned plans to boycott FIFA competitions but is pressing ahead with efforts to field a candidate against FIFA President Gianni Infantino in next year’s presidential election.
The decision is expected to be formally confirmed at UEFA’s executive committee meeting in Monaco, according to BBC Sport.
UEFA’s 55 member associations and its representatives on the FIFA Council are expected to receive confirmation that the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan will not be revived.
The move clears the way for all six European teams — England, France, Italy, Portugal, Spain and hosts Poland — to participate in the FIFA Under-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland next week.
UEFA remains confident that a unity candidate can be found to challenge Infantino when he seeks re-election in March.
A candidate needs the backing of at least 106 of FIFA’s 211 member associations to win the election.
UEFA has also dropped plans for a vote of no confidence against Infantino because such a move would require the support of 159 member associations, representing three-quarters of FIFA’s membership.
No challenger has yet been confirmed, although CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani is reportedly regarded as a potential candidate.
Nominations for the FIFA presidency close on November 18.
UEFA believes that even if Infantino wins a closely contested election, a significant drop in his support could weaken his authority and raise questions about his legitimacy.
The European body had previously threatened to boycott FIFA competitions over the proposed Forward Enterprise plan and demanded guarantees against opening FIFA governance or competitions to private ownership.
FIFA has welcomed UEFA’s decision to end the boycott, saying it is pleased that all qualified teams will participate in the Under-20 Women’s World Cup.
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