FIFA withdraws controversial plan to sell stakes in tournaments

The international football governing body, FIFA, has decided to withdraw a controversial proposal that would have allowed private investors to purchase stakes in its major tournaments, including the prestigious World Cup. The plan, which had aimed to bring in private capital, faced significant internal debate and external criticism.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the decision, stating that the proposal would not move forward. In a statement attributed to him, Infantino explained that after "carefully listening to all viewpoints," it became clear the project had generated divisions. He added that these divisions, regardless of the level of support, were no longer in line with the organization's initial objectives.

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This proposal will not go any further.

The withdrawal signifies a shift in FIFA's approach to commercializing its assets, prioritizing internal consensus and avoiding further internal rifts. The organization had previously explored various avenues for increasing revenue and investment in its global football development programs.

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After carefully listening to all viewpoints, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a kind that, regardless of the degree of support, are no longer in line with the goal that was originally established.