FIFA President Gianni Infantino has apologised after shelving a controversial proposal to sell a minority stake in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup following widespread opposition from football governing bodies, national associations and senior FIFA officials.
The proposal sought to establish a new commercial entity that would manage FIFA’s commercial rights, with 20 per cent of the business to be sold to private investors in a deal reportedly valued at $4.2 billion.
FIFA had argued that the initiative would generate additional revenue to support football development around the world. However, the plan sparked strong criticism from stakeholders, who warned it could undermine the governance, independence and integrity of the sport.
Announcing the decision to abandon the proposal, Infantino acknowledged the concerns raised by football authorities.
“Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions that are no longer in the best interest of the objective we originally set out to achieve,” he said.
He added that FIFA’s primary goal remains the unity and growth of world football.
“Our purpose has always been—and will always be—to unite and improve. As a result, this proposal will not proceed.”
The proposal drew fierce opposition from UEFA, which argued that football’s governance should never be treated as a commercial asset.
“This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade,” UEFA said.
The failed initiative has intensified pressure on Infantino ahead of the 2027 FIFA presidential election, with several football figures—including former Portugal captain Luís Figo—calling for the FIFA president to step down following the controversy.