Infantino bows to revolt, scraps billion‑dollar World Cup plan

FIFA announced on Friday that it is withdrawing a proposal that would have given private investors a stake in future World Cup tournaments, a move that marks a dramatic reversal of its earlier ambitions. The decision was taken after a wave of opposition from across the football world, with clubs, players and national associations voicing strong criticism. Voorzitter Gianni Infantino confirmed the plan will not be pursued, stating that the intense revolt made continuation impossible.

The withdrawn scheme had aimed to involve private capital directly in the organization and financing of upcoming World Cups, a concept that sparked heated debate within the sport’s governing structures. Critics argued that such a model could compromise the integrity of the competition and undermine the interests of member associations.

FIFA drops controversial World Cup rights sale amid European outcry

In a Friday statement, Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s chairman, said the controversial proposal would not be continued, citing the “heavy resistance from the football community” as the decisive factor behind the reversal.

FIFA drops Forward Enterprise as confederations reject World Cup stake