JUST IN: FIFA drops plan to sell World Cup stake after boycott threat

FIFA has officially scrapped its controversial proposal to sell stakes in the FIFA World Cup and other major competitions to private investors. The decision comes after a significant backlash from football stakeholders worldwide and explicit threats of boycotts from continental confederations. FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the withdrawal in a statement on his Instagram page, acknowledging that the initiative, known as the FIFA Forward Enterprise project, had created unacceptable divisions within the global football community.

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The FIFA Forward Enterprise project was intended to provide a basis for further strengthening our FIFA Member Associations and our sport worldwide, especially in those countries where support is most needed.

Infantino explained that the project's intention was to strengthen FIFA Member Associations and support the sport globally, particularly in underserved regions. However, he conceded that the proposal, which was subject to consultation with member associations, the FIFA Council, and confederations, had generated discord that was no longer in line with the project's original objectives. "Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place," Infantino stated. He affirmed FIFA's commitment to unity and improvement, declaring, "As a result, this proposal will not proceed."

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Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place.

The opposition was particularly strong from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), which had warned that its member associations would boycott the World Cup and other FIFA events. The Asian Football Confederation and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football also aligned with UEFA's stance. FIFA had previously defended the proposal, asserting that it was not "selling football" but rather seeking to generate additional funding for member associations through a new commercial structure. Despite these assurances, concerns persisted about private investment in the commercial rights of FIFA competitions. FIFA has indicated it will engage with stakeholders in the coming weeks to discuss strategies for growing the game, especially in nations requiring greater support.

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Our purpose has always been – and will always be – to unite and improve. As a result, this proposal will not proceed.