UEFA poised to Lift FIFA boycott threat after World Cup guarantee

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UEFA is preparing to withdraw its threat to boycott FIFA competitions after receiving assurances that plans to sell commercial stakes in the World Cup and other major tournaments will not be brought back, according to people familiar with the discussions.

European football's governing body is expected to inform its executive committee and the presidents of most of its member associations at a meeting in Monaco on Thursday that the conditions it set for ending the boycott threat have been satisfied.

The dispute centres on proposals involving the sale of stakes in FIFA's flagship competitions, plans that had raised concerns within UEFA over the governance and commercial direction of world football's governing body.

The issue has taken on added significance with national teams preparing for the Under-20 Women's World Cup in Poland, which is due to begin on September 5.

UEFA's move to ease tensions is expected to be framed primarily as an effort to ensure young players are not caught up in the dispute between European football and FIFA.

However, the decision does not signal an end to UEFA's broader concerns about FIFA's leadership and governance. European football officials are expected to maintain pressure for wider reforms while stepping back from the immediate threat of withdrawing from FIFA competitions.
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