FIFA Cancels World Cup Investment Deal After Global Backlash

Sun Sep 06 2026 03:23:35 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

FIFA president Gianni Infantino abandons a plan to sell stakes in the World Cup and other tournaments following widespread opposition from football federations.

Infantino has scrapped a controversial proposal that would have allowed private investors to buy shares in FIFA’s flagship competitions, including the World Cups. The plan faced intense backlash from associations across Europe, the Americas, and Asia, and key officials within FIFA resigned in protest. The cancellation comes just weeks before FIFA’s congress that could decide Infantino’s leadership for another term. Analysts say the move may preserve unity for now, but the future of FIFA’s financial reforms remains uncertain.

FIFA Cancels World Cup Investment Deal After Global Backlash

FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced that the organisation would no longer pursue a plan to sell stakes in its flagship competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups. The decision follows widespread opposition from club and national associations, and a wave of resignations among FIFA officials.

The cancelled scheme had promised member associations a payout of $40 million if they agreed to the proposal by 19 September. Under the plan, FIFA would create a commercial subsidiary, Fifa Forward Enterprise, to manage its tournaments and invite private investors for minority, non‑controlling stakes.

The proposal faced opposition from UEFA, who voted to boycott future World Cups unless the plan was abandoned, and Concacaf, which also rejected the scheme. The Asian Football Confederation joined the chorus of dissenting bodies, while other continental federations announced they would review FIFA’s arrangements.

FIFA’s chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, stated that the plan had been “deceived” by the organisation’s own administration, and senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned, calling the proposal a “bad deal for football.”

Infantino’s decision comes ahead of FIFA’s 77th Congress in March 2027, where the president’s fourth term will be decided. While the move may calm tensions, the future of FIFA’s commercial strategy remains uncertain.