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

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

FILE - FIFA President Gianni Infantino gestures as he meets the media at the FIFA World Cup closing press conference in Doha, Qatar, Friday, Dec. 16, 2022. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File) 02 Aug 2026 05:39AM FIFA president Gianni Infantino came under increasing fire from continental governing bodies on Saturday (Aug 1

FIFA president Gianni Infantino came under increasing fire from continental governing bodies on Saturday despite scrapping a widely-derided plan to allow private investment in the World Cup.

UEFA says Gianni Infantino has lost trust after FIFA abandoned its World Cup private investment plan following fierce opposition from football bodies.

European football's governing body welcomed the withdrawal of the proposal to allow private investment in the World Cup. But the UEFA said that the FIFA president had lost their and other football family members' 'confidence' with his 'shabby, back room, opaque deal.'

FIFA president Gianni Infantino failed to calm the stormy waters surrounding his position despite on Saturday scrapping a plan to allow private investment in the World Cup.

The Asian Football Confederation joins UEFA and CONCACAF in opposing FIFA’s controversial plan to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors.

North America's soccer body on Thursday rejected FIFA president Gianni Infantino's plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private equity investors, joining European nations in opposition.

FIFA has faced backlash from global soccer governing bodies over the proposal to allow private investment.

UEFA vows to boycott all FIFA competitions over private investment plan  USA Today

The governing body's plan welcoming investors to purchase World Cup-related commercial rights has drawn criticism from around the world.