UEFA, CONCACAF target Infantino after FIFA shelves World Cup private investment plan

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing increased pressure from continental football governing bodies after abandoning a controversial plan to allow private investment in the World Cup.

“

Our purpose has always been - and will always be - to unite and improve.

UEFA, European football's governing body, had strongly opposed the proposal, even threatening to boycott all FIFA competitions. While welcoming the plan's withdrawal, UEFA stated that Infantino had lost their confidence and that of other football organizations due to the "shabby, back room, opaque deal."

CONCACAF, representing North, Central American, and Caribbean football, took a more critical stance, calling for a "comprehensive reckoning with this presidency" and condemning Infantino's "poor governance and leadership."

“

As a result, this proposal will not proceed.

The backlash prompted Infantino to issue a statement announcing the withdrawal of the proposal, which had aimed to raise up to $4.2 billion through a new commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). FIFA had suggested the project could provide each of its 211 member associations with a $20 million payment and increased funding.

“

The current FIFA leadership has not only lost UEFA's confidence but also that of many other members of the football family.

UEFA accused Infantino of breaking promises of transparency made when he was first elected in 2016, stating he has failed to deliver on making FIFA's money beneficial for the sport, especially with the organization holding over $5 billion in reserves.

“

The shabby, back room, opaque deal he hatched and tried to force through were anything but transparent.