FIFA Scraps World Cup Stake Sale Plans After Backlash

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced Friday that world soccer's governing body has scrapped plans to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors. The decision came after significant public and official backlash.

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The future of global football must always be shaped through proper consultation, collective dialogue and respect for the established governance structures of our game.

Reactions from football officials highlighted concerns about the process. AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al-Khalifa stated that the future of global football should be shaped through consultation and dialogue, emphasizing respect for governance structures. He affirmed the AFC's support for initiatives that strengthen unity and promote the game's growth.

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The AFC stands ready to support any initiative that strengthens the unity of the football family, contributes to the continued growth of the game globally and delivers meaningful benefits to all stakeholders.

Football Australia Chairman Anter Isaac stressed the importance of progress through innovation and investment but underscored that principles like integrity, independence, good governance, and transparency must remain paramount. He noted that these principles enable lasting progress.

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Throughout its history, our game has evolved through innovation, investment and new ideas that have strengthened football, created greater opportunities for players, coaches and referees, and enhanced the experience of supporters around the world. That spirit of progress must continue.

Simon Astrom, Chairman of the Swedish Football Association, welcomed FIFA's decision, aligning with their expectations given the flawed process and negative reactions. However, he reiterated concerns about transparency and governance deficiencies, calling for continued dialogue on how football should be managed and developed.

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Some principles, however, should never change. Integrity. Independence. Good governance. Transparency. Meaningful consultation. Due process. These are not constraints on progress. They are what make lasting progress possible.