Gianni Infantino says Fifa has scrapped World Cup investment plan
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that the organization has scrapped plans to sell stakes in a commercial entity that would manage its competitions. The decision follows significant backlash from continental confederations and threats of boycotts.
Why it matters
The reversal marks a major shift in FIFA's governance and commercial strategy, reflecting the power of member associations to influence leadership decisions.
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 early on Saturday, 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.
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"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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