Uefa is set to lift its threatened boycott of Fifa competitions after securing firm guarantees that Gianni Infantino's controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup will never be attempted again. The move would clear the way for European nations, including England, to compete in the upcoming under-20 Women's World Cup and future tournaments, resolving a dispute that had put younger players at risk of being caught up in a wider power struggle between the two governing bodies.

Uefa had threatened the boycott after Infantino's "Fifa Forward Enterprise" privatisation scheme was revealed, and maintained the threat even after the plan was withdrawn, arguing that Fifa had not pledged such an attempt would never be repeated. Following weeks of private negotiations, Fifa has now given that binding assurance in writing, allowing England, France and Spain, who had already named provisional squads, to proceed to the tournament in Poland, with the opening game on 5 September. The boycott has not yet been formally dropped, but is expected to be addressed at a meeting of Uefa's executive committee in Monte Carlo on Thursday, where Uefa's stance that Infantino should be replaced remains unchanged.