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ZURICH: FIFA has abandoned its controversial plan to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup following widespread opposition from football governing bodies, member associations and senior officials.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed that the proposal would no longer proceed after facing mounting criticism from UEFA, CONCACAF, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and several national football associations.
The plan sought to create a new commercial entity to manage the World Cup and other FIFA events, with a 20% stake expected to be sold to private investors in a deal reportedly valued at up to $4.2 billion.
The initiative was intended to generate additional funding for football development worldwide.
However, critics argued that the move would excessively commercialise football’s most prestigious tournament and hand too much influence to private investors. UEFA warned it could boycott the initiative, while other confederations also voiced strong objections.
The controversy also triggered internal unrest within FIFA, including the resignation of senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro, who reportedly described the proposal as damaging to the long-term interests of the sport.
Announcing the decision, Infantino said FIFA’s priority remains to unite the global football community and continue developing the game, acknowledging that the proposal had become too divisive to move forward.
