The dispute originated in late July when reports emerged that FIFA president Gianni Infantino intended to establish a commercial subsidiary, the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to manage global events. UEFA, led by president Aleksander Ceferin, responded with sharp criticism, labeling the proposal a "shady, opaque backroom deal." At the height of the tension, UEFA declared that its national teams would refuse to participate in any FIFA competitions while the plans remained active. Sources now indicate that with the controversial initiative shelved and assurances provided that such proposals will not be revisited, the boycott threat is likely to be withdrawn.
Champions League Focus Shifts to League Phase
As the political tension eases, the focus returns to the pitch with the Champions League draw. Paris Saint-Germain enters the competition aiming for a third consecutive title, having secured last season's trophy with a penalty shootout victory over Arsenal in Budapest. Achieving this feat would place the French side in elite company, as only Real Madrid, between 2016 and 2018, has managed three consecutive European Cup wins in the last half-century.
The competition continues with its established format, featuring 36 teams in a single league phase where each club faces eight different opponents. The field remains heavily represented by Europe's top domestic leagues, with England and Spain each contributing five clubs. Notable participants include Premier League sides Arsenal, Manchester City, Manchester United, Liverpool, and Aston Villa, alongside Real Betis, who return to the tournament after a 20-year absence.
This season also marks the debut of new challengers on the European stage. Italian side Como, managed by Cesc Fabregas, will compete for the first time, as will Azerbaijan’s Sabah, who successfully navigated four qualifying rounds. Additionally, Austrian club LASK enters the competition proper following a dramatic play-off victory over Celtic. The league phase is scheduled to commence on September 8, with the final set to take place at the Metropolitano Stadium in Madrid on June 5, 2027.
