England international Lucy Bronze maintains that a Uefa-led boycott of Fifa tournaments would be the correct move for the long-term health of the sport, even if it carries immediate consequences for women’s football. The stance follows Fifa president Gianni Infantino’s proposal to allow private investment into competitions, a move that prompted 55 European member associations to threaten a collective withdrawal.
Although Infantino later withdrew the plans and apologized for his actions, Uefa has kept the possibility of a boycott on the table. This development poses a direct threat to upcoming events, specifically the Fifa Under-20 Women’s World Cup, where several European nations are currently set to compete. Bronze, currently on a pre-season tour with Chelsea in New Zealand, emphasized that players are committed to their principles.
The defender stressed that these decisions are about protecting the game for future generations rather than immediate personal interests. Should the boycott persist, European teams could face exclusion from critical events, including qualifiers for the Women’s World Cup in Brazil and the Under-17 World Cup in Morocco. Former figures in the sport, including Anita Asante and Baroness Campbell, have expressed concern that women’s football risks becoming the primary victim of this governance dispute.
The English Football Association has officially rescinded its support for Infantino, joining a growing list of national associations questioning his leadership.
