Football: Press Reviews on FIFA and Infantino: 'Global Setback'

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has abruptly abandoned controversial plans to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, following a wave of international criticism and threats of a boycott from UEFA. The U-turn was announced in an official statement early Saturday morning.

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino performs an embarrassing U-turn on plans to commercialize the World Cup.

International media reacted sharply to FIFA's rapid reversal. England's "Daily Mail" labeled it an "embarrassing U-turn" and a "humiliating defeat" for Infantino, who admitted the plans had "caused division." The "Guardian" reported that Infantino conceded the project had "caused divisions that no longer serve the original purpose" amid global outrage.

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Gianni Infantino has suffered a humiliating defeat.

Spain's "Marca" described the move as a "global setback" for the FIFA president, noting the immense pressure that led to his retreat. "As" suggested Infantino's "outlandish idea" was bound to fail, especially after the resignation of FIFA's chief advisor, Carlos Cordeiro, with UEFA leading the resistance.

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Gianni Infantino's plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors has spectacularly failed.

Switzerland's "Blick" reported that Infantino "caved after an uprising," making a rare retreat after widespread opposition from continental federations. The plan, reportedly valued at 15 billion pounds, faced significant backlash, including a boycott threat from UEFA, which had spurred global unrest within the football community and created a potential "brand nightmare" for investors.

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The plan had caused global unrest in the football world and prompted UEFA to threaten a boycott of future FIFA tournaments if the plan was not abandoned.