FIFA President Gianni Infantino has scrapped his controversial plan to sell a portion of World Cup profits to private investors, following widespread international criticism. The decision comes after mounting pressure from football associations, players, and fans who opposed the proposal, which was seen as a potential financial risk to the tournament’s integrity (news.google.com).
Infantino initially proposed selling minority stakes in the World Cup, valuing the entity at around $20 billion, with FIFA retaining majority ownership. However, the plan sparked outrage, with critics calling it a misstep that could undermine the sport’s governance (eastleighvoice.co.ke). The backlash led to a U-turn, with Infantino announcing the plan would no longer proceed.
Despite the reversal, Infantino has not indicated he will resign from his role. Some critics, however, remain skeptical, with one media outlet suggesting he is “delusional” and out of touch with the current political climate (mirror.co.uk). The move marks a significant shift in FIFA’s strategy, reflecting growing concerns over transparency and financial management in international football.
