FIFA President Gianni Infantino has scrapped his controversial plan to sell World Cup profits to private equity, following widespread backlash from football stakeholders. The decision comes after strong opposition from UEFA, other continental confederations, and key figures within FIFA, as well as global criticism from the soccer community (eastleighvoice.co.ke).
The plan, which aimed to sell stakes in a new sister company overseeing the World Cup, faced immediate pushback. UEFA threatened to boycott the proposal, while other organizations and officials raised concerns over financial and governance implications. The move was seen as a potential conflict of interest, with critics arguing it could undermine the integrity of the tournament (africanews.com).
Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016, had previously courted controversy with his off-script remarks and unconventional management style. His attempt to sell World Cup profits to private equity was met with a global outcry, prompting a rapid reversal of the plan. The decision reflects growing pressure on FIFA to align with broader football interests rather than pursue profit-driven initiatives (thesun.co.uk).
The cancellation of the proposal marks a significant shift in FIFA’s strategy, highlighting the influence of international football bodies in shaping the organization’s direction. The plan’s collapse underscores the challenges of balancing financial ambitions with the expectations of the global soccer community (aljazeera.com).
