In the run-up to the annual UEFA Congress in Brussels, FIFA President Gianni Infantino will be in the spotlight due to the growing tension in relations with European football associations regarding both political and managerial aspects.
One of the most discussed topics will be the possibility of Russian teams returning to the international arena. Infantino has previously expressed support for revisiting the ban, at least for youth teams; however, most UEFA representatives oppose this, emphasizing that the situation remains unchanged following the invasion in 2022.
Additionally, European federations express concerns about Infantino's closeness to former U.S. President Donald Trump, raising further questions amid preparations for the U.S. to host the World Cup. Although discussions of a boycott have become less relevant, distrust in FIFA's leadership continues to exist.
It is likely that the outcomes of the congress will not lead to official decisions, but they will nonetheless highlight the existing strained relations between FIFA and UEFA.
