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UEFA have refused to soften their hard-line position in the escalating dispute with FIFA, despite a public apology from Gianni Infantino. European football's governing body has maintained that its member associations could still boycott the World Cup and other major tournaments after the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprises privatisation plan.

Infantino's apology does not sway UEFA

This firm position has been taken even after FIFA and Infantino publicly apologised over the contentious proposal to sell stakes in the tournament to private investors. FIFA and secretary general Mattias Grafstrom issued a joint statement on Wednesday evening, admitting the process surrounding the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project had been flawed. "We acknowledge mistakes were made in the process of the proposed establishment of FFE," the statement said. "It was certainly not the intention for the FIFA Council and FIFA Member Associations to feel excluded from the process and it should have been handled differently."

Europe remains resolute over boycott demands

In spite of the effort to ease tensions, UEFA members said on Thursday that the conditions they set for rejoining FIFA competitions have still not been met. "UEFA's associations were very clear about the conditions attached to the non-participation in FIFA competitions," UEFA said in a statement. "First, the proposals to sell off the major competitions had to be withdrawn and secondly, assurances have to be made that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again."

The statement went on to underline a complete collapse in trust between the sides: "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."

Support within FIFA remains intact

Even as UEFA continue to threaten a boycott, Infantino has so far retained control of his position. During talks in Rabat, the FIFA Management Board restated their full backing for the president in an effort to show unity. The official communication said: "For the avoidance of doubt, the FIFA Secretary General and the Management Board in attendance reaffirm their full support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, as the only official elected by the 211 FIFA Member Associations."

Pressure grows globally on the FIFA president

The repercussions of the FFE project have spread beyond football's boardrooms, with iconic names such as Luis Figo calling for the president to resign. If the boycott is not lifted, the 2027 Women's World Cup could be plunged into major uncertainty. UEFA had earlier argued that the future of football cannot be shaped by the expectations of those looking for financial return.