Spain Win Women’s U20 World Cup as Infantino Presents Trophy
Spain have lifted the Women’s Under-20 World Cup in Poland, with captain Cristina Librán receiving the trophy from FIFA president Gianni Infantino after Sunday’s final in Łódź.
Spain’s triumph ends boycott threat
The 24-team tournament went ahead after UEFA abandoned a proposed boycott on Aug. 26. The European governing body had threatened to keep its 55 member associations out of FIFA competitions, including the event in Poland, amid a dispute over Infantino’s leadership.
UEFA had called for Infantino to resign alongside the Asian Football Confederation and Concacaf. It also said it was considering a criminal complaint, alleging criminal mismanagement linked to a proposed sale of a stake in future FIFA events.
The plan, which was known only to a small group around Infantino, sought to raise $20 billion through Thrive Capital. The investment firm is led by Josh Kushner, whose brother Jared is the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.
The proposed deal would have involved future FIFA competitions, notably the men’s World Cup, and was designed to provide an immediate $20 million payment to each of FIFA’s 211 member associations. UEFA withdrew its boycott warning after receiving assurances that the proposal would not return.
Infantino pushes election campaign
Infantino, FIFA president since 2016, is seeking another term at the FIFA Congress next March. A simple majority of 106 votes from the 211-member electorate would secure victory.
His recent schedule has underlined the importance of direct contact with national associations. Before arriving in Poland, Infantino travelled overnight from Antigua on a Qatar Executive Gulfstream aircraft provided by Qatar Airways. The journey lasted eight hours and 40 minutes.
- He attended matches in Saudi Arabia at the Arabian Gulf Cup.
- He visited Jamaica, the British Virgin Islands, Saint Kitts and Nevis, and Antigua.
- He held New York meetings with the Pakistan Football Federation president, Bhutan’s prime minister and Kenya’s president.
- FIFA has said travel is usually arranged on commercial flights, including low-cost carriers, but private charters can be used where deemed efficient and cost-effective.
Despite Concacaf’s stated opposition to Infantino, several Caribbean associations have publicly broken ranks to support him.
Caribbean backing strengthens incumbent
Saint Kitts and Nevis Football Association president Atiba Harris said his federation would continue to support Infantino’s vision. Trinidad and Tobago FA president Kieron Edwards said his association had not moved from its backing, pointing to FIFA’s importance in funding infrastructure.
Jamaica Football Federation president Michael Ricketts also declared support, saying he hoped Infantino would remain FIFA president after the election.
That backing matters in a vote decided by individual member associations rather than confederation blocs. Infantino has also written to all 211 members seeking feedback and dialogue over reforms, while working to consolidate his campaign.
Opposition still awaits challenger
Concacaf president Victor Montagliani is viewed as the most likely challenger. The 61-year-old could receive support from UEFA, the AFC and Concacaf, but he has not announced a candidacy ahead of the Nov. 18 submission deadline.
Further movement could follow the European Football Clubs General Assembly in Copenhagen this week. Opposition to Infantino remains substantial, while his recruitment of marketing executive Martin Sorrell has been seen as another indication that he intends to fight for reelection.
For now, the incumbent has no declared opponent and is continuing a global campaign centred on meetings with national associations. The next key date is Nov. 18, when potential challengers must submit their candidacies ahead of the March FIFA Congress.
