FIFA bins controversial private investment plan after backlash

The venture aimed to cash in on what Infantino described as the sport's "remarkable commercial value" by inviting third parties to take minority, non-controlling investments in the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise subsidiary.

The beleaguered Infantino said he would focus now on restoring harmony while continuing to grow the game.

FIFA had tried to fend off the critics, saying in a statement early Friday that it would continue consultations with member associations and insisting that "nobody is selling football".

FIFA scraps private investment plan after backlash  Dawn

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Saturday he has scrapped a plan to allow private investment in the World Cup following fierce backlash from football officials worldwide. "Our purpose has always been -- and will always be -- to unite and improve," Infantino said in a statement. "A

FIFA scraps $20B investment plan after major backlash  CNN

The idea of allowing private investors even a small stake in FIFA flagship events such as the World Cup had been roundly condemned.

FIFA "will not proceed" with plans to sell stakes in a company which would run the commercial and operational aspects of its competitions, a statement from president Gianni Infantino said.

FIFA is shelving a controversial plan that would have allowed for billions of dollars in private commercial investment in the World Cup after the proposal was met with fierce opposition from its member nations.

"Our purpose has always been -- and will always be -- to unite and improve," FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement.

FIFA and its President Gianni Infantino faced fierce backlash from across football to plans to sell stake in World Cup.

Infantino's World Cup private investment plan has drawn seismic FIFA backlash. Here's what to know  Toronto Star

Gianni Infantino is at risk of losing his job as FIFA president two weeks after seeming untouchable following a financial bonanza of a World Cup

Infantino's World Cup private investment plan has drawn seismic FIFA backlash. Here's what to know  AP News

FIFA advances plans for 64-team World Cup review despite private investment backlash  ESPN

Less than two weeks since the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2026, soccer is once again front-page news thanks to a new private-investment proposal by FIFA president Gianni Infantino that's triggered significant backlash. Here's what you need to know.

Critics of Gianni Infantino's FIFA Forward Enterprise spotted what they believed to be clear indications that this new venture would be a plan rife for corruption.

Fifa boss Gianni Infantino is a man of many ideas. His latest and most controversial yet is the proposal to invite external investors to claim a stake in the global soccer federation, with a company linked to US President Donald Trump leading the process.

FIFA’s announcement of its new project was not merely a passing commercial move. Within days, it had become one of the most controversial issues in the history of the game. Whilst FIFA insists the project aims to increase financial resources and expand support for national associations, European stakeholders believe it

PM says football belongs to fans as governing bodies unite against Fifa plans

FIFA on Tuesday announced it was seeking to launch FIFA Forward Enterprise.