Infantino calls plan to sell World Cup stake a proposal, 'not an obligation'

FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw - John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, Washington, D.C., U.S. - December 5, 2025 FIFA President Gianni Infantino arrives on the red carpet ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026 Draw REUTERS/Brian Snyder/File Photo 30 Jul 2026 03:31AM Jul

A proposal to privatize FIFA's commercial operations is the latest episode to draw criticism from Brussels officials and lawmakers.

EUROPEAN countries could boycott the World Cup if Fifa's president decides to flog a chunk of the federation. Gianni Infantino is plotting to launch a sister company and sell stakes to private investors, it emerged on Tuesday. The outlandish scheme would see Fifa Forward Enterprise govern the World Cup and Club World C

Controversial plans to sell stakes in the FIFA World Cup to private investors have sparked a furious response from football authorities and politicians. UEFA, the body that governs European football, took the unprecedented step of releasing a statement condemning FIFA’s plan, which involves creating a new entity that w

The new initiative is the second time Infantino has attempted to privatise football assets, with the first being in 2018 where the FIFA chief proposed a multi-billion dollar project to create more global competitions, funded by private investors.

Fifa's Infantino plans to sell stakes in World Cup  thenationalnews.com

Prime Minister says Fifa will have ‘sold out’ if plans go through, while European nations may discuss World Cup boycott in emergency meeting

The proposal has been widely criticized, with European soccer's governing body UEFA saying it "crosses a line."

Gianni Infantino stands to make millions if he's able to complete a deal.

World Cup for sale: Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in tournament  The Times