In a stunning reversal, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has abandoned his controversial proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup and other major tournaments to private investors, following a wave of unprecedented opposition from football confederations across the globe.
The plan, which would have created a commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), was withdrawn late Friday after it became clear it lacked the necessary support from FIFA’s 211 member associations.
Infantino announced the decision in a statement, acknowledging that the project had “created divisions” that were “no longer in the interest” of its original objective. “As a result, this proposal will not proceed,” he stated.
The plan, first reported by The Times and Financial Times on Tuesday, proposed inviting private investors to take minority stakes in FFE, which would manage FIFA’s main events, including the men’s and women’s World Cups. Infantino had offered all member associations $40 million (approximately £30 million) to back the proposal, setting a deadline of September 19 for them to accept an initial $20 million payment.
The proposal triggered a swift and powerful backlash from football’s major confederations. UEFA, representing 55 European member associations, voted on Thursday to boycott World Cups if the plan went ahead. Concacaf, representing North and Central America, also said its members “rejected” the proposal.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) then joined the opposition, saying it “stands in solidarity” with UEFA and Concacaf. With UEFA (55 votes), Concacaf (35), and the AFC (46) combined, the math made it nearly impossible for Infantino to secure the 106 votes needed for approval.
The controversy also sparked an internal rebellion at FIFA. Carlos Cordeiro, Infantino’s senior adviser on global strategy and governance, resigned over the matter, calling the proposal “a bad deal for football” that would “mortgage football’s future.”
FIFA’s chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, made damning statements about the process, saying the governing body’s own administration had been “deceived” about the project. He described it as “the project of one person” and said “a president must bring people together, unite them, and inspire them,” but this was “the opposite.” Lamour added: “If that means I lose my job, then so be it. At least I’ll sleep well tonight.”
The failed proposal represents a significant blow to Infantino’s authority. The Swiss official is now under immense pressure as he seeks re-election for a fourth term as president at the FIFA Congress in March.
Prior to this week, it had been anticipated he would be re-elected unopposed. However, sources indicate that many member associations are now questioning his leadership. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who had spoken to UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin in recent days, said Infantino was the “wrong man” to lead FIFA.
In his statement, Infantino said he now intends to “bring all interested parties back together” in the “spirit of shared interest” in football. He reiterated that his plan was designed to strengthen member associations, “especially in countries where support is most needed,” and that his purpose “has always been – and always will be – to unite and improve.”
The governing bodies in Africa (CAF) and Oceania (OFC), which had been expected to discuss the plan in August, were not required to make a decision. South America’s Conmebol had requested additional information, and the proposal’s withdrawal preempted their response.
The timeline of events, from the plan’s public revelation to its dramatic withdrawal, highlights the intense and swift backlash against what critics called an attempt to sell football’s soul. The episode is likely to have lasting repercussions on Infantino’s presidency and the governance of world football.
