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England and UEFA have not backed away from the threat of a World Cup boycott, with the conflict at the top of world football continuing to intensify. Even after FIFA president Gianni Infantino issued a public apology over his contentious commercial plans, European nations have continued to oppose his leadership without softening their position.

UEFA remains unmoved by FIFA's proposals

The possibility of England and other European countries boycotting FIFA competitions is still very much on the table. The dispute escalated sharply last week when Infantino unveiled a controversial plan to set up a new subsidiary that would control and sell major stakes in key assets, including the World Cup, before the proposal eventually fell apart on Friday night.

In a strongly framed statement, a UEFA spokesperson told Sky News: 'UEFA’s associations were very clear about the conditions attached to the non-participation in FIFA competitions. First, the proposals to sell off the major competitions had to be withdrawn, and secondly, assurances have to be made that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again. These conditions have not been met. In addition, UEFA made it abundantly clear in its statement on Saturday that it has lost confidence in Gianni Infantino's presidency. That position holds. Yesterday's announcement that some people employed by the FIFA President (and whose careers depend on his favour) agree with him changes nothing.'

Infantino apologises as calls for resignations grow

Under increasing pressure from a widening revolt, Infantino and FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom sent out a joint letter in an effort to calm the situation. In that communication, they expressed regret over the way the commercial project had been introduced, but they did not go as far as offering the complete leadership change that many European associations are now seeking.

The official letter from FIFA's top leadership said: 'We sincerely apologise for these errors and commit to them not happening again. We acknowledge that errors were also made after the proposal was leaked to media. With this in mind, we will conduct a necessary review, and a report will be presented to the FIFA Council at its next scheduled meeting.'

Legal defence and warnings issued from Zurich

While extending what appeared to be an olive branch, FIFA officials also moved quickly to defend the legality of their original proposal and warned against any further leaking of confidential material. The governing body insisted that everything it had done was within the limits of its own statutes, despite the shock and anger across the football world at the prospect of selling stakes in the sport's most prestigious competition.

The leadership in Zurich wrote: 'With the project withdrawn, FIFA will no longer tolerate any attacks on its integrity, good governance and due process and will take all necessary measures to protect and safeguard its name and reputation. Everything that was done, was done in full compliance with the FIFA regulatory framework.'

Immediate consequences for England national teams

The effects of the continuing row could be seen as soon as next month, with both England's youth and senior teams potentially affected. The first major test of the proposed boycott is set to be the Women's U20 World Cup, for which England has already announced a training squad.

Further ahead, the senior international schedule presents even bigger obstacles for Infantino if he wants to avoid a weakened World Cup. The qualifying play-offs for the 2027 Women's World Cup, involving England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, are due to take place in October.