FIFA has abandoned its controversial proposal to sell a stake in the commercial operations of the FIFA World Cup after the plan triggered widespread opposition from football organizations around the world. The decision marks a significant setback for FIFA President Gianni Infantino and has intensified scrutiny of the governing body’s leadership and decision-making process.
FIFA Withdraws World Cup Investment Proposal
FIFA confirmed it will no longer pursue plans to sell a minority stake in a newly created commercial entity that would have managed major FIFA competitions, including the FIFA World Cup.
The proposal aimed to raise as much as $4.2 billion by selling approximately 20% of the new business, valuing the venture at roughly $20 billion. FIFA had presented the plan as a way to strengthen its commercial operations and generate additional revenue for the global game.
However, the initiative quickly sparked strong opposition from several member associations and continental governing bodies, raising concerns about governance, transparency, and the commercialization of international soccer.
UEFA Condemns the Proposal
The strongest criticism came from UEFA, European soccer’s governing body, which voted to boycott FIFA competitions in response to the proposal.
In a statement, UEFA criticized the process behind the plan, saying it was “irresponsible and indefensible that a proposal of such significance for football was conceived in secret.”
The organization also accused FIFA of effectively putting the sport’s “soul” up for sale, arguing that such a major decision should have involved broader consultation with member associations.
Faced with mounting resistance, FIFA ultimately reversed course.
“Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place,” FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement Friday evening.
“Our purpose has always been – and will always be – to unite and improve. As a result, this proposal will not proceed.”
Internal Criticism Adds to Pressure
The backlash extended beyond FIFA’s member organizations.
Earlier Friday, Carlos Cordeiro, one of Infantino’s senior advisers, resigned with immediate effect, describing the proposal as “a bad deal for football.”
FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour also criticized the initiative, saying staff members had been “deceived” and characterizing the proposal as “a project of one person.”
Political leaders also weighed in. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham told reporters Friday that Infantino was “the wrong man to lead the organisation.”
Questions Grow Over Infantino’s Leadership
The controversy has renewed questions about Infantino’s future as FIFA president.
The 56-year-old Swiss executive, who was born in Switzerland to Italian parents, has already faced criticism over his perceived relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which was co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
Trump previously said he contacted Infantino regarding a red card issued to U.S. national team forward Folarin Balogun. According to Trump, Balogun’s suspension was later lifted, allowing the striker to participate in the United States’ next World Cup match.
The proposed investment group was expected to be led by Thrive Capital founder Joshua Kushner through a fund known as Thrive Eternal. Joshua Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of President Trump.
Speaking Friday at Camp David, Trump said he did not discuss FIFA’s investment proposal with Infantino.
Before the controversy, Infantino had been widely expected to secure an uncontested final term as FIFA president through 2031 following the overall success of the recently completed World Cup. The fallout from the investment proposal has now created uncertainty about whether that expectation will hold.
Potential Challengers Begin to Emerge
The controversy has also strained relationships with some of FIFA’s traditional allies.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC), which has generally supported Infantino throughout his presidency, called for an urgent review of FIFA’s governance and decision-making process.
In a statement, the AFC said the proposal had “exposed fundamental weaknesses in FIFA’s consultation and decision-making processes that must now be addressed.”
The organization added that FIFA should conduct an immediate review of its governance framework.
AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa, who narrowly lost the 2016 FIFA presidential election to Infantino, strongly opposed the proposal.
He described FIFA’s plans as “totally unacceptable” and said the governing body’s unilateral actions appeared to undermine “the very foundations of continental football, which are based on solidarity, cooperation and transparency.”
Meanwhile, Victor Montagliani, president of North American soccer’s governing body, has been mentioned as a potential candidate to challenge Infantino in FIFA’s presidential election scheduled for next March.
Outlook for FIFA
While FIFA’s decision to abandon the investment proposal may ease immediate tensions, the episode has exposed deep divisions within international soccer and raised broader concerns about governance, transparency, and leadership. As the next FIFA presidential election approaches, the controversy is likely to remain a defining issue for Gianni Infantino and the future direction of world football.
Abigail Prescott is a contributor to Campuslately.com, covering a wide range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sports, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, accurate reporting and useful information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging trends. With a reader-first approach, Abigail highlights stories that matter, providing balanced coverage and accessible insights on issues relevant to everyday audiences.
