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UEFA and its communications team appear to be seizing every opportunity to outshine FIFA in what seems like an ongoing battle for public favour among football’s governing bodies.

Whenever FIFA takes a decision that draws criticism – and that’s been happening quite frequently of late – UEFA often steps in with a contrasting stance that paints them in a more favourable light.

While it might simply be a case of strategic opportunism from another power player in the football world, UEFA’s moves are certainly resonating with some fans and observers.

Here are three recent examples where UEFA has appeared to flex its influence over FIFA.

Among all the talking points surrounding the 2026 World Cup, few have been as disruptive to the viewing experience as the introduction of mandatory hydration breaks midway through each half.

The reasoning behind these breaks is understandable – the players are competing in hot conditions and need to stay hydrated.

However, for traditionalists who cherish the uninterrupted 45-minute halves, these additional stoppages – and the potential for commercial exploitation of those moments – have become frustrating.

In contrast, UEFA has confirmed that it will maintain its current rule of introducing hydration breaks only when the temperature exceeds 32°C.

Considering that Euro 2028 will be co-hosted across England, Scotland, Wales, and the Republic of Ireland, such conditions are expected to be a rarity.

Another major story before the World Cup involved referee Omar Artan, who was denied entry into the United States.

Artan was set to become the first Somali referee to officiate at a World Cup, but FIFA stated that it had “no involvement in host country immigration processes, including visa adjudications.”

According to a U.S. government official, the refusal was linked to Artan’s “association with suspected members of terrorist organisations.”

UEFA quickly saw an opportunity to take a stand and announced that Artan would instead officiate the UEFA Super Cup this summer, featuring Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa.

UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin commented: “Omar Artan is a talented young referee with considerable experience, having proven himself at the highest level within the Confederation of African Football.”

He added: “Football is about bringing people together, and UEFA wishes to honour Omar for his professionalism and the skills that earned him such a prestigious recognition.”

Another notable moment came during Paraguay’s match against Turkey at the World Cup, when Miguel Almiron was sent off for covering his mouth while talking to an opponent.

This directive followed an earlier incident between Gianluca Prestianni and Vinicius Junior during a Champions League match between Benfica and Real Madrid earlier this year.

Despite that clash taking place under UEFA’s jurisdiction, the European body has decided not to adopt a similar rule.

According to reports from The Guardian, UEFA will not implement automatic red cards for players who cover their mouths during confrontations with opponents.