FIFA president Gianni Infantino's controversial proposal to sell off parts of the World Cup to private investors has collapsed, according to reports. Infantino admitted the project "has created divisions of a nature that are no longer of the interest of the objective," signaling an end to the plan that had sparked widespread opposition.
The proposal, which was first reported in early 2026, aimed to raise billions by selling stakes in future World Cup tournaments to investment funds. Critics, including European football bodies and fan groups, argued that such a move would compromise the integrity of the sport and prioritize profit over the game's values.
Infantino's statement came after a meeting of the FIFA Council, where the plan was effectively shelved. The collapse marks a significant setback for Infantino, who had championed the idea as a way to boost FIFA's revenues and fund development projects.
No official details have been released about the specific investors involved or the exact terms of the proposal. FIFA has not commented further on the matter, but the decision is seen as a victory for those who opposed the commercialization of the World Cup.
