Fifa scraps controversial World Cup investment plan
The proposal would have sold about 20% of a new commercial arm and raised $4.2 billion, according to FIFA.
- On Friday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino abandoned the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal to sell about 20% of World Cup commercial rights to private investors for $4.2 billion, citing divisions within the organization.
- FIFA floated the FFE plan on Tuesday at a $20 billion valuation, prompting swift opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation, which condemned the commercialization of their flagship tournaments.
- Senior FIFA officials publicly broke ranks: Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour called it "the project of one person," while senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned, stating it was "a bad deal for football."
- British Prime Minister Andy Burnham called Infantino "the wrong man to lead the organization," joining other leaders in demanding his resignation as his 2027 re-election bid faces renewed scrutiny.
- The Under-20 Women's World Cup in Poland begins September 5, shifting focus after the FFE collapse, while potential challengers must declare candidacies by November 18 ahead of the FIFA presidential election.
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As part of the creation of a commercial company, Gianni Infantino, the president of the Fifa, has considered opening 20% of the capital of the company to private investors. Very criticized since and now on an ejectable seat, Switzerland has made a publication on Instagram to the glory of the...
Fifa’s failed equity plan and football’s growing welfare crisis
The plan by Fifa president, Gianni Infantino, to invite equity investment into the World Cup didn’t last long. Announced on July 28, it immediately provoked hostility from across football. Three days later Fifa sought to reassure critics: “Nobody is selling football. This is not something Fifa would ever entertain.” The proposal was then unceremoniously abandoned less than 48 hours later, amid reports that Infantino’s position is now under consi…
The "Fifa Forward Enterprise" plan, which provided for the transfer of a share of the commercial rights of the World Cup to private investment funds, remains the trascichi. Fifa's proposal received a dry no from UEFA and from various federations and confederations, so much so that the project was abandoned immediately by President Infantino. All this however has led to distrust of the number one Fifa. The controversy and oppositions of the past …
Bombshell in the football world: FIFA President Gianni Infantino (56) wants to sell the shares of the World Cup to private investors. UEFA and the European countries oppose this multi-billion euro plan and even threaten a boycott. Ultimately, Infantino felt compelled to withdraw the plan. Follow all developments closely here.
FIFA’s Infantino Scraps World Cup Investment Plan. But Is It Too Little, Too Late?
FIFA President Gianni Infantino attends the World Cup 2026 final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. —Chris Brunskill/Fantasista—Getty ImagesFIFA President Gianni Infantino said Friday that football's international governing body would scrap plans to sell private investors a stake in a new commercial venture tied to the World Cup. The pivot came after widespread backl…
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