ZURICH, Aug. 1: FIFA has officially abandoned its controversial plan to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup after mounting criticism from across the football world, threats of a European boycott, and growing opposition within its own administration.
In an emergency statement issued on Friday, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the proposal had created deep divisions within global football and was no longer in the best interests of the sport. He confirmed that the plan had been formally withdrawn by consensus.
The proposal had reportedly sought to attract private investment by offering a share in the tournament’s commercial rights. According to reports, FIFA had also proposed a financial package worth $40 million for each of its 211 member associations in an effort to secure support.
However, UEFA, representing 55 European football associations, warned that it would boycott future FIFA World Cups if the proposal was approved. The opposition quickly expanded as both the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Concacaf joined UEFA in rejecting the plan, effectively denying FIFA the votes required to pass the measure.
The controversy also exposed divisions within FIFA. Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour acknowledged that senior officials had not been fully informed about the project. Meanwhile, Carlos Cordeiro, FIFA’s Senior Adviser on Global Strategy and Governance, resigned, describing the proposal as harmful to the future of football.
The political fallout also intensified, with UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham reportedly questioning Infantino’s suitability to lead FIFA.
The setback comes as the 56-year-old Swiss official prepares to seek a fourth term as FIFA president at the FIFA Congress in March 2027. Analysts say the unprecedented unity among Europe, Asia and the Americas has cast uncertainty over his re-election prospects.
Infantino has now called for renewed dialogue among all football stakeholders to restore unity, but observers believe the episode has significantly weakened his authority within world football.
