FIFA president scraps controversial investment plan after backlash


Gianni Infantino announced on Saturday that the proposed move to create a commercial subsidiary and sell stakes in FIFA’s flagship tournaments has been cancelled. The plan, designed to offer private investors an interest in the World Cup and other competitions, sparked fierce opposition from associations across Europe, North and Central America, the Caribbean, Asia, and parts of Africa and Oceania.



FIFA president Gianni Infantino

Gianni Infantino has been the president of FIFA since February 2016.



Timeline of events



  • 27 July (Monday) – Infantino dropped criticism of the debate on his Instagram, urging critics to stop spreading misinformation.

  • 28 July (Tuesday) – The Times and Financial Times revealed Infantino’s proposal to sell competition stakes. UEFA publicly called the idea a line crossed by FIFA.

  • 29 July (Wednesday) – Infantino promised member associations a $40m per federation reward if they approved the plan by 19 September.

  • 30 July (Thursday) – UEFA voted to boycott future World Cups if Infantino’s deal proceeded; Concacaf and the AFC declared their rejection.

  • 31 July (Friday) – FIFA insisted it would push forward with the plan, despite the widespread opposition.

  • 1 August (Saturday) – Infantino issued a statement cancelling the proposal, citing the divisions it had caused.


Implications for Infantino’s presidency


Infantino, who is set to stand for a fourth term at the FIFA Congress scheduled for March in Morocco, now faces a significant challenge to his leadership. Stronger voices from both the confederations and within FIFA’s own ranks have questioned his ability to unite global football.


Former senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned, citing the deal as a “bad deal for football” that could mortgage the sport’s future. FIFA COO Kevin Lamour described the initiative as a “project of one person” that had mangled the organization’s unity.


Despite the setback, Infantino stated his intent to “bring all interested parties back together” and reaffirm his commitment to strengthening associations, especially in developing nations.


What the plan entailed


The proposal would have created Fifa Forward Enterprise, a commercial entity allowing minority, non-controlling investments in FIFA’s tournaments. Targeted revenues included an estimated €20.5m increase per member in the 2035‑2039 cycle, with the aim of monetising the World Cup, which is the world’s most-watched sporting event.


Critics noted that the plan excluded the women’s game and the necessary safeguards that would protect clubs, players, and fans. The involvement of interests such as the U.S. venture capital firm Thrive, linked to the Kushner family, added a layer of political scrutiny.


Looking ahead


The upcoming FIFA Congress will decide whether Infantino retains his role for a fourth term or whether a new president is elected. The decision is being influenced by the circumstances surrounding this week’s events and the need to restore confidence among member associations.