FIFA President Gianni Infantino has faced mounting criticism over his controversial plan to sell parts of the World Cup to private investors, with nations threatening to boycott the tournament. The proposal, which involves offering $20 million to member federations, has sparked outrage among football stakeholders, with some calling it a betrayal of the sport’s integrity (thesun.co.uk). Infantino, who has defended his vision as a way to fund FIFA’s operations, has been accused of prioritizing financial gain over the sport’s values.

The plan, revealed on Tuesday, has led to fierce backlash from football associations and officials, with some suggesting it could lead to a global boycott of the 2026 World Cup. The English FA has already responded to the proposal, signaling potential resistance from key nations (sportbible.com). Meanwhile, Infantino has set a September 19 deadline for member federations to accept the one-off offers, despite the controversy surrounding the initiative.

Critics argue that the sale of World Cup stakes could undermine the sport’s governance and lead to long-term consequences for football’s future. Some have even called for a complete withdrawal from the World Cup, with the possibility of a boycott looming as the deadline approaches. The debate over FIFA’s financial strategy continues to divide the football world, with the 2026 tournament now at the center of a growing crisis.