FIFA's Infantino reverses controversial World Cup investor plans amid backlash

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has executed a dramatic U-turn on his ambitious plans to sell stakes in the World Cup's commercial and event operations, a move widely reported as a significant setback.

“

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is executing an embarrassing U-turn on plans to market the World Cup.

International media outlets have largely framed the reversal as a failure and an embarrassment for Infantino and the global football governing body. The New York Times described the situation as a "sober" account of events, while the British Daily Mail declared, "Gianni Infantino has suffered a humiliating defeat." The Guardian noted the project had "created divisions that are no longer conducive to the actual goal."

“

Gianni Infantino has suffered a humiliating defeat.

Further criticism came from the tabloid press, with The Sun labeling the endeavor a "brand nightmare for potential investors" and citing a boycott threat from UEFA. Spanish sports newspaper AS called it a "global setback," adding, "It was only a matter of time before Infantino's misguided idea would fail."

“

The project has created divisions that are no longer conducive to the actual goal.

El País suggested that "football, with its millions of fans, has triumphed over external actors; FIFA has lost." French publication L'Equipe commented that Infantino faced unprecedented resistance, leaving the organization "in crisis." Italian newspaper Gazzetta dello Sport celebrated the outcome, stating, "Enough now! Reason has prevailed."

“

The plan was a brand nightmare for potential investors.