England defender Lucy Bronze has thrown her support behind UEFA’s threat to boycott FIFA competitions, saying such a move could be necessary to protect the future of football.
UEFA’s standoff with FIFA remains unresolved despite an apology from FIFA president Gianni Infantino over controversial plans to allow private investors to become involved in major football tournaments.
Bronze, who plays for Chelsea, said players should be prepared to miss major competitions if that is what is required to safeguard the game for future generations.
“I think the message that we stand by as players, and obviously as European competitions as well is, it’s for the good of the game,” the 34-year-old said.
“I think the players who play in those competitions, the European players, we stand by our beliefs and what the right thing is for our game. And if that means boycotting competitions, then that has to happen.
“It’s for the future of the game and not just for me today and tomorrow. It’s for all the little girls or little boys who come after us, to make sure that they’re in a good place when the game’s moving forward in decades to come, not just tomorrow.”
Bronze made the comments ahead of Chelsea’s pre-season friendly against Auckland in New Zealand, as UEFA continues to maintain pressure on FIFA.
In a statement issued on Thursday, UEFA said Infantino’s apology had “changes nothing” and insisted that one of the conditions for ending the proposed boycott had not been satisfied.
UEFA had demanded assurances that similar proposals would not be brought forward again in the future.
The governing body also reiterated that it had lost confidence in Infantino’s leadership.
The dispute could soon have an impact on European teams, with England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland scheduled to take part in play-offs in October for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
The first potential test of UEFA’s boycott stance is expected next month, when Poland hosts the FIFA U20 Women’s World Cup.
