Fifa Abandons Controversial Plan to Sell Stakes in World Cup After Global Backlash

Fifa president Gianni Infantino has confirmed that the controversial proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors will no longer proceed. The announcement comes after the plan faced intense criticism and opposition from football governing bodies around the globe.

The proposal, which aimed to open up parts of the World Cup to private investment, sparked widespread anger among football stakeholders. UEFA, the governing body for European football, went as far as to threaten a boycott of future Fifa tournaments should the plan move forward. Other continental confederations also voiced their opposition, highlighting the deep divisions the proposal caused within the football community.

The backlash was not limited to external bodies. Inside Fifa, the plan prompted significant dissent, culminating in the resignation of Carlos Cordeiro, a senior advisor to Infantino, who stepped down in protest against the scheme. Additionally, Fifa chief operating officer Kevin Lamour publicly criticized Infantino for pushing the proposal with what he described as a "serious lack of respect" and minimal consultation with key stakeholders.

In his statement, Infantino acknowledged that the proposal "has created divisions of a nature that are no longer of the interest of the objective," signaling a retreat from the initiative to preserve unity within the sport. This reversal marks a notable moment in Fifa's governance, reflecting the power of collective opposition from football's leading organizations and officials.

With the plan now officially shelved, attention will turn to how Fifa can rebuild trust and engage more collaboratively with football's global community. The organization will likely focus on upcoming tournaments and maintaining the integrity and appeal of the World Cup as the premier international football competition.

The next major fixture on the football calendar is the 2026 World Cup, co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, where Fifa will be keen to demonstrate stability and unity after this episode. The governing body’s ability to manage future proposals with greater transparency and consensus-building will be crucial for maintaining its credibility and support across the sport.

For more details, visit the original report at The Guardian.