FIFA pulls plug on private‑equity World Cup profit plan

FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced on Friday night that the governing body will abandon its proposal to sell stakes in future World Cup profits to private‑equity funds, effectively halting the controversial monetisation plan that had drawn criticism widely among stakeholders.

The original scheme was designed to monetise future tournament revenues by offering private‑equity funds a share of World Cup profits.

The proposal provoked major backlash, with the European soccer governing body warning it would boycott future FIFA events should the stake‑sale move ahead.

Infantino scraps $20bn World Cup spin‑off after European walkout

The announcement was accompanied by the caption (Andre Pain/AP) “The World Cup isn’t for sale after all,” underscoring the organisation’s reversal of the earlier proposal.

Infantino’s U‑turn on World Cup stake sale as FIFA faces member revolt after UEFA, AFC and CONCACAF reject plan in a bruising debate

By scrapping the plan, FIFA ends the controversy and removes the immediate threat of a European boycott, preserving cooperation with the continent’s football authorities.