Official – FIFA scraps plans to sell the World Cup

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·1. August 2026

Official – FIFA scraps plans to sell the World Cup

The past few days have been very turbulent in the world of football. Gianni Infantino, President of FIFA, launched a plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. A decision that sparked strong protests from many countries, and even entire confederations: UEFA (Europe), the AFC (Asia), and CONCACAF (North and Central America). There was criticism and strong action even within football’s governing body itself. This led to the withdrawal of the project, announced by the leader in an official statement.

“After listening carefully to all opinions, it became clear that the project created divisions”

Statement attributed to the President of FIFA The FIFA Forward Enterprise project was intended to provide a foundation to further strengthen our FIFA Member Associations and our sport globally, especially in countries where support is needed most. And furthermore, as we said from the outset, to do so only if a majority of FIFA Member Associations were in favor of it and always subject to a consultation process with them, the FIFA Council, the Confederations, and broader stakeholders. After listening carefully to all opinions, it became clear that the project created divisions of such a nature that, regardless of the level of support, they no longer serve the objective originally set.

“Going forward, my intention is to bring together all interested parties in the coming days and weeks”

Our objective has always been – and will always be – to unite and improve. Therefore, this proposal will not be pursued. Going forward, my intention is to bring together all interested parties in the coming days and weeks in the spirit of a shared interest in our sport, and with the goal of continuing to develop football everywhere, especially in the countries that need our support the most.”

The statement tries to smooth things over, but Infantino cannot erase his plan or how strongly it was rejected. It is yet another idea that has shocked the world of football, and his position as president seems seriously threatened next year, since new elections will be held. Even if, for the moment, there are still no candidates.

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This was apparently the step too far, even though others had already drawn criticism. Today, there is still great suspense surrounding the 2030 World Cup, with the possible addition of new countries or not. Major issues still need to be decided, but for now what is needed above all is calm and a clear resetting of priorities for the future of football.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.