FIFA Abandons Plan to Sell Stakes in World Cup

The president of FIFA announced the cancellation of a plan to involve private equity investors in the World Cup. FIFA President Gianni Infantino made this decision known through a statement on Friday.

The proposal aimed to consolidate FIFA’s commercial activities and event management into a new commercial subsidiary valued at $20 billion. However, Infantino confirmed its abandonment. This decision came after entities from Asia, Europe, and North America voiced their opposition. Europe’s soccer body declared its refusal to participate in FIFA competitions if the plan proceeded.

FIFA initially insisted that they were not selling football, but Infantino later clarified that the intention was to strengthen soccer organizations, not divide them. He acknowledged that the plan had caused significant divisions, overshadowing the intended benefits. His announcement followed remarks during the 2026 World Cup award ceremony in New York/New Jersey.

Carlos Cordeiro, former Goldman Sachs banker and Infantino’s advisor, resigned over the plan. He stated his objection to the potential sale of a stake in the World Cup. The proposal included a one-time payment of $20 million to each FIFA federation, but it failed to gain support from CONCACAF.

Infantino expressed his commitment to bringing all parties together again, emphasizing the importance of shared interests in advancing football globally, especially in countries that need support most.