Why has Infantino scrapped FIFA’s World Cup investment plan? What to know
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has abandoned a controversial plan to sell stakes in future World Cup profits to private investors following intense backlash from European football governing bodies. The move was seen as a significant misstep that threatened his leadership and caused a rift within the organization.
Why it matters
The reversal highlights the tension between commercializing global sports and maintaining the governance standards expected by member associations.
How FIFA President Gianni Infantino was forced to abandon his World Cup equity plan after seismic backlash across football.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info European football's governing body UEFA was the biggest opponent of FIFA President Gianni Infantino's World Cup sell off [File: Dado Ruvic/Reuters] By The Associated Press Published On 1 Aug 2026 1 Aug 2026 Gianni Infantino looked every bit the “King of Football”, as US President Donald Trump likes to call him, when 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.
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