FIFA president Gianni Infantino has officially abandoned a controversial $20 billion proposal to sell private stakes in upcoming World Cup tournaments. The plan, which aimed to create a subsidiary for commercial and operational rights, faced intense backlash from fans, soccer associations, and internal staff, with Infantino acknowledging that the project had created divisive friction within the sport.
The decision follows widespread opposition from major governing bodies, including UEFA, which had threatened to boycott future tournaments. Internal dissent also mounted as FIFA senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro resigned in protest, labeling the deal detrimental to the future of football, while FIFA chief operating officer Kevin Lamour publicly criticized the initiative as the project of a single individual.
Following the cancellation, the Asian Football Confederation welcomed the move, emphasizing that the future of global football must be shaped through collective dialogue and established governance. Infantino stated his intention to reunite the football community in the coming weeks, focusing on growth and support for member associations.
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