Story perspectives

UEFA Votes Boycott, Calls for Infantino’s Exit

8/4/2026

Summary

UEFA Boycotts FIFA

UEFA’s 55 members voted on Thursday to boycott all FIFA competitions.
The boycott followed Infantino’s early Saturday withdrawal of a $4.2 billion World Cup plan after federations missed a $20 million payment deadline.
A Dechert letter on Friday ordered FIFA to preserve evidence, named 18 executives—including Infantino, Thomas Peyer and Arsène Wenger—and warned that legal proceedings are “reasonably anticipated.”
UEFA said that ending Infantino’s decade-long presidency is now “on the table.”

Summary

Infantino Awards Trump

Infantino awarded President Donald Trump the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December 2025, the award’s first presentation.
They were photographed together at football events, notably the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
After a failed stake-sale, Infantino repeatedly called President Trump, saying he felt isolated amid criticism.
Infantino also sought a call with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but the State Department said no meeting was scheduled.

History

Historical Context

In May 2015 the U.S. Department of Justice filed a 47-count indictment charging 14 FIFA officials with racketeering and $150 million in bribes, prompting arrests, the suspension of Sepp Blatter and Michel Platini, and the postponement of the 2026 World Cup bidding. The scandal forced governance reforms that continue to shape calls for further leadership changes.

1 of 3

UEFA Boycotts FIFA

UEFA’s 55 members voted on Thursday to boycott all FIFA competitions.
The boycott followed Infantino’s early Saturday withdrawal of a $4.2 billion World Cup plan after federations missed a $20 million payment deadline.
A Dechert letter on Friday ordered FIFA to preserve evidence, named 18 executives—including Infantino, Thomas Peyer and Arsène Wenger—and warned that legal proceedings are “reasonably anticipated.”
UEFA said that ending Infantino’s decade-long presidency is now “on the table.”

1 / 3