Infantino’s World Cup plot leaves him deserted by allies and with his credibility detonated
Fifa president Gianni Infantino is facing a crisis of credibility following reports of a controversial plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors. The proposal, which involves moving commercial rights into a subsidiary, has alienated allies and sparked internal backlash.
Why it matters
The potential privatization of a major global sporting event raises significant questions about the governance and commercialization of international football.
G ianni Infantino’s week began with a swaggering 15-page screed against the losers and the haters who had dared to criticise the 2026 World Cup .
“Sorry you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all,” he posted, addressing “those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumours.”
Now, Infantino stands deserted by allies, his credibility detonated, his audacious plans to sell a stake in the World Cup to private interests in ruins, and his position as Fifa president under threat.
To put it in the Fifa president’s own terms: Today, I feel like I’ve had a long week.
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