FIFA scrap plans for private investment into World Cup
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has announced that plans to sell stakes in a company managing commercial aspects of the World Cup have been scrapped. The proposal faced significant backlash from continental confederations and threats of boycotts.
Why it matters
The decision marks a major retreat for FIFA leadership and highlights the internal power struggles regarding the commercialization of international football.
FIFA "will not proceed" with plans to sell stakes in a company which would run the commercial and operational aspects of its competitions, a statement from president Gianni Infantino said.
The plan, which would include the men's and women’s World Cups, has been rejected by three continental confederations with UEFA insisting its nations would boycott FIFA events.
In a statement released in the early hours of Saturday morning, Infantino said: "The FIFA Forward Enterprise project was intended to provide a basis for further strengthening our FIFA Member Associations and our sport worldwide, especially in those countries where support is most needed.
"And more so, as we said from the outset, to do this only if a majority of the FIFA Member Associations were in support and always subject to a consultation process with them, the FIFA Council, the Confederations and wider stakeholders.
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