England Under-20 Women's head coach Lydia Bedford has revealed she was caught off guard by news of a potential Uefa boycott of the Under-20 Women's World Cup, but insists her side will continue preparations as normal despite the ongoing dispute engulfing world football.
The controversy stems from revelations that Fifa president Gianni Infantino had explored plans to sell stakes in the World Cup and other major competitions to private investors, a move that triggered fierce opposition from Uefa and its 55 member associations. The threat of a boycott of Fifa competitions has remained in place even though the so-called Fifa Forward Enterprise proposal was scrapped earlier this month. The Under-20 Women's World Cup, scheduled for next month, is now the first tournament that could feel the effects of this standoff.
Bedford, speaking to BBC Sport in Portugal following a warm-up victory over the hosts, admitted she learned of the situation in an unusual way. "I was actually at the theatre in London when my dad rang me out of the blue and I was like 'what's happening?'" she said, describing her surprise at being alerted to developments unfolding far from the world of day-to-day team preparation.
Despite the uncertainty swirling around the tournament's future, Bedford explained that the guidance she has received from the Football Association has been clear and consistent. "From my perspective the message from leadership all along has been 'just continue as usual' so we have," she said. That directive appears to have shaped the entire camp's approach in the build-up to naming her squad, with Bedford confirming that the matter has barely been discussed within the group itself.
"It's not something we've really even spoken to the players about because ultimately every opportunity we have to get on the grass and prepare this team we want to be in the best position possible," she added. "So all focus has been on that."
The comments suggest a determined effort by the coaching staff to shield the young squad from the wider political turbulence surrounding the tournament, keeping attention firmly fixed on football matters as the countdown to the World Cup continues. Bedford is due to announce her squad for the tournament next week, with preparations having included the friendly fixture against Portugal, which England won.
The broader dispute has raised questions about the participation of Uefa nations, including England, should the confederation follow through on its threat to withdraw from Fifa competitions. Such a move would have significant ramifications not just for the Under-20 Women's World Cup but potentially for other tournaments further down the line, given the scale of the disagreement between Uefa and Fifa's leadership over the proposed investment plans.
For now, though, Bedford's message is one of measured focus rather than alarm. She has made clear that neither she nor her players are dwelling on the politics at play, choosing instead to concentrate on the practical business of preparing a team capable of competing at the highest level. Whether that approach will need to change in the coming weeks remains to be seen, but as things stand, the Young Lionesses' path towards the tournament continues uninterrupted, with Bedford insisting the group's sole priority remains performance on the pitch rather than speculation off it.
Based on reporting from BBC Sport.