UEFA president boycotts World Cup final after Donald Trump and FIFA outrage
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin reportedly boycotted the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in protest against FIFA, following a breakdown in relations between the two governing bodies. Ceferin, who also serves as FIFA vice-president, was notably absent from the final, while Donald Trump and other high-profile figures attended. The boycott stems from FIFA's controversial decision to suspend a red card suspension for US striker Folarin Balogun, allowing him to play against Belgium. UEFA released a damning statement calling the decision 'unprecedented, incomprehensible and unjustifiable,' arguing it undermined the integrity of the game. Other issues include FIFA's proposed World Cup expansion to 64 teams, half-time shows, high ticket prices, and a dispute over a Somali referee denied US entry. There are rumors UEFA may field a candidate against FIFA president Gianni Infantino in the next election.
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