By: Saneliso Mlambo
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has abandoned plans to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors following widespread opposition from within global football. The proposal faced strong criticism from national associations, confederations, senior FIFA officials and fans, prompting FIFA to withdraw the plan before it was put into effect.
The proposal would have seen FIFA create a new commercial entity valued at about $20 billion and sell a minority stake to long-term investors. FIFA said the initiative was intended to generate more money for football development worldwide, but critics argued the World Cup should not be partially commercialised through private ownership.
Infantino confirmed the decision, saying the proposal had become too divisive despite receiving some support. He said the level of disagreement meant FIFA would not proceed with the plan.
The plan had sparked threats of opposition from major football bodies, including UEFA, while senior FIFA figures publicly criticised the process. The backlash ultimately forced FIFA to reverse course and retain full ownership of the World Cup’s commercial rights.