FIFA Presses Pause on World Cup Stake Sale as Divisions Grow

In a bid to create a new revenue stream for the sport’s flagship event, FIFA’s president Gianni Infantino had floated a plan to let fans buy shares in the World Cup. The idea, however, has faced a backlash from players, clubs and national associations who worry that selling a piece of the sport’s most celebrated tournament could create political and commercial rifts.

Speaking to BBC’s Shaimaa Khalil, Infantino said the proposal had “created divisions” that “are no longer in the interest” of the football community. He admitted that the notion of a global stakeholder model does not mesh with FIFA’s mission to unite nations and foster fair play.

The decision is part of a wider review that looks at why the association released details of the scheme, which included a share‑distribution model and a promise of transparent oversight. Experts note that while the prospect of new funding might help offset rising costs of staging the World Cup, it also risks creating an uneven playing field for smaller nations that might struggle to compete for available shares.

FIFA’s move echoes other controversies that have plagued the body in recent years, including accusations of opaque governance and a lack of accountability. Fans and officials alike hope the board will use lessons learned to find alternative‑revenue sources that uphold the sport’s ethical values.

A full video of Infantino’s interview is available on BBC Sport for the newsroom’s regular livestream. The channel will keep audiences updated as FIFA’s leadership examines new pathways for international competition financing.