RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 5 sourcesEngland defender Lucy Bronze has voiced strong support for a potential Uefa boycott of Fifa competitions , insisting it would be the right thing to do if it safeguards the future of the sport.
Bronze has spoken out Uefa maintained its threat to withdraw from major Fifa tournaments on Thursday, despite an apology from president Gianni Infantino regarding controversial plans to involve private investors.
Asked about the prospect of missing out on significant competitions, including the World Cup, due to such action, the 34-year-old emphasised the collective player stance.
"I think the message that we stand by as players, and obviously as European competitions as well is, it’s for the good of the game," Bronze said.
She added: "If that means boycotting competitions, then that has to happen. It’s for the future of the game and not just for me today and tomorrow. It’s for all the little girls or little boys who come after us, to make sure that they’re in a good place when the game’s moving forward in decades to come, not just tomorrow."
Uefa has vowed to boycott Fifa competitions (PA)
The potential boycott looms ahead of crucial 2027 Fifa Women’s World Cup qualifying play-offs in October, involving England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, and the Republic of Ireland.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Uefa clarified that Infantino’s apology "changes nothing”.
While the contentious plans have been abandoned, Uefa insists that its second condition for lifting the boycott – assurances against similar proposals in the future – remains unmet. The European governing body also reiterated its declared loss of confidence in Infantino’s leadership.
The first practical test of Uefa’s resolve is anticipated next month, with the Fifa U20 Women’s World Cup scheduled to take place in Poland.
Earlier this week, the English FA and Football Association of Wales (FAW) officially withdrew their support for Infantino’s re-election as Fifa president, while Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have also been critical of Infantino.
However, Infantino has received support to continue in his role from elsewhere. The Confederation of African Football (Caf) voiced its backing for Infantino on Thursday, while Mexico and Argentina have also thrown their support behind the under-fire president.
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