In brief
In a late‑night statement, FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced the governing body will not proceed with its controversial proposal to sell stakes in its flagship tournaments. The decision follows a wave of opposition from UEFA’s 55 member associations, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation, all of whom threatened boycotts. Infantino had proposed a commercial subsidiary, Fifa Forward Enterprise, allowing private investors to buy minority shares, a move critics saw as a gamble for football’s future. The plan would have granted $40 million to each member if they approved by 19 September, but fewer than half of associations agreed. With the proposal facing opposition from global football’s pillars, the remaining 100 nations were seen unlikely to support a fourth‑term bid for Infantino.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced on Saturday that the governing body will not proceed with its proposal to sell stakes in major competitions, including the men’s and women’s 2026 World Cups.
The move came after the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) faced widespread criticism from UEFA’s 55 member associations, Concacaf, the Asian Football Confederation and others. These organisations warned of boycotts and said the plan would “mortgage football’s future”.
The proposal, called Fifa Forward Enterprise, would have created a commercial subsidiary and let private investors buy minority, non‑controlling shares. If nations backed the plan by 19 September, they would receive an initial $20 million (~£15 million). Each association could also claim $40 million (~£30 million) if it signed on.
Irish soccer fan @irgend’s reaction on Twitter: “Stupid move. Football should stay in the hands of the players and fans, not venture capital.”
Key moments
- 27 July – Infantino posted a 15‑slide Instagram message encouraging critics to focus on football.
- 28 July – Times and Financial Times reveal Infantino’s stake‑selling plan; UEFA inks a statement condemning the move.
- 29 July – Infantino emails all 211 associations offering $40 million if they agree by September.
- 30 July – UEFA votes to boycott World Cups if the plan proceeds; Concacaf’s members reject it.
- 31 July – FIFA insists “nobody is selling football” and vows to continue the project.
- 1 Aug – Infantino officially cancels the plan.
Infantino’s decision was a pivotal turning point for the 77th FIFA Congress set for March 2027, where the president will run for a fourth term. The vote will require at least 106 of the 211 member associations to approve any new initiative.
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