FIFA President Gianni Infantino has scrapped his controversial plan to sell minority stakes in the World Cup to private equity, following widespread backlash from football stakeholders. The decision comes after intense pressure from UEFA and other global football bodies, which had threatened to boycott World Cup and FIFA events if the privatization proposal was approved (independent.co.uk). The plan, which would have allowed private investors to hold a share in the World Cup’s profits, was seen as a potential threat to the sport’s governance and integrity.
Infantino initially defended the move, stating that FIFA’s purpose is to unite and improve football. However, the massive pushback led him to reverse course, with the proposal now officially abandoned. The move has been welcomed by many within the football community, who feared the plan could undermine FIFA’s control over major tournaments. The decision marks a significant shift in FIFA’s strategy, as the organization now focuses on maintaining its traditional role in organizing global football events (africanews.com).
