FIFA abandons controversial investor plans amid widespread opposition

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that the organization is shelving its contentious plans to sell stakes in its commercial rights, a move that had drawn widespread criticism and opposition.

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After carefully listening to all viewpoints, it has become clear that the project has led to divisions that – regardless of the extent of support – are no longer in the interest of the originally intended goal.

In a statement released late Thursday, Infantino explained that the proposal, which aimed to raise substantial funds through potential sales of World Cup commercial rights via a subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), had become divisive. "After carefully listening to all viewpoints, it has become clear that the project has led to divisions that – regardless of the extent of support – are no longer in the interest of the originally intended goal," Infantino stated, signaling an abrupt reversal.

The European football governing body, UEFA, had been a vocal opponent, threatening to boycott the World Cup if the plans proceeded. UEFA declared, "No national teams from UEFA will participate in any FIFA competition as long as these proposals remain." Other continental confederations, including Concacaf (North, Central America, and Caribbean) and the AFC (Asia), also distanced themselves from the initiative.

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No national teams from UEFA will participate in any FIFA competition as long as these proposals remain.

Infantino emphasized FIFA's commitment to unity and improvement in football, asserting that the proposal would not be pursued further. He expressed his intention to reconvene with all stakeholders in the coming weeks to foster collaboration for the advancement of football globally, particularly in nations requiring support.

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Europe's position is clear. We will never lend legitimacy to this model. No one has the moral right to sell something that they merely manage in trust for the next generation.

Adding to the internal pressure, a high-ranking advisor to Infantino, Carlos Cordeiro, reportedly resigned. The reversal signifies a significant concession by FIFA leadership in the face of strong resistance from key football organizations.

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Therefore, this proposal will not be pursued.