Infantino's World Cup private investment plan has drawn seismic FIFA backlash. Here's what to know
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has abandoned a controversial plan to sell stakes in future tournament profits to private investors following intense backlash. The proposal, which aimed to create a subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise, faced opposition from European nations and internal staff, leaving Infantino's leadership stability in question.
Why it matters
The incident highlights the growing tension between the commercialization of global sports and the governance structures of international governing bodies.
GENEVA (AP) — Gianni Infantino truly looked the “King of Soccer,” as U.S. President Donald Trump likes to call him, as the two allies sat together watching the World Cup final less than two weeks ago. Sure, there were some boos inside MetLife Stadium near New York, when the two men walked across the turf to present the trophy and medals to Spain and Argentina players on July 19. Still, that 104th and final game capped a biggest-ever tournament seen as a vindication for the FIFA president — a consensus success on the field and a financial bonanza for global soccer. Infantino could look ahead to his likely reelection coronation next March. The sunny scene must now feel an age ago since Infantino caused a seismic rift in global soccer. The intensifying fallout has threatened the 56-year-old Infantino's job after he seemed untouchable until this week.
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