FIFA cancels sale of World Cup stake after global backlash
FIFA cancels sale of World Cup stake after intense backlash. Infantino withdraws proposed 20% sale to raise $4.2bn amid resignations and union boycott threats.
Gianni Infantino announced that FIFA will not proceed with its proposal to sell a minority stake in a new tournaments unit, effectively ending plans to monetise part of the World Cup after a wave of opposition. The decision follows immediate and sustained objections from European, North American and Asian federations, as well as high-profile resignations and public criticism from within FIFA. The move halts a proposal that had promised to raise up to $4.2 billion through a roughly 20 percent sale in a new commercial vehicle.
Infantino ends plan after listening to member concerns
After consulting member associations, Infantino said the plan had become divisive and would not serve FIFA’s stated purpose of uniting and growing the game. He framed the withdrawal as an effort to restore consensus and pledged to convene stakeholders in the coming weeks to rebuild trust. Infantino reiterated FIFA’s commitment to global football development while acknowledging the intense reaction the proposal provoked.
Structure and financial contours of the proposed deal
Under the now-abandoned plan, FIFA had proposed creating a new company—reported to be valued at about $20 billion—that would manage World Cup rights and other FIFA competitions. The federation sought to raise up to $4.2 billion by selling an approximately 20 percent stake in that entity to private investors. FIFA had also offered a one-off payment of $40 million to each member association that approved the plan by September 19, a deadline that helped sharpen the debate among confederations.
Mass rejection from confederations and member federations
The proposal prompted swift, coordinated resistance from major confederations. UEFA’s 55 members voted unanimously to boycott FIFA tournaments should the plan proceed, declaring that the World Cup could not be treated as an investment product. CONCACAF’s 41 members also rejected the proposal, and the Asian Football Confederation issued a statement of solidarity with UEFA and CONCACAF. Together those confederations represent 143 of FIFA’s 211 member associations, a majority whose opposition made the initiative untenable.
Resignations and internal dissent at FIFA
The plan’s fallout included immediate personnel consequences. Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser who had been assisting Infantino on FIFA’s strategic direction, resigned with immediate effect, calling the deal a “bad deal for football.” Other senior figures within FIFA publicly criticised the proposal, with the organisation’s head of operations saying staff felt misled and describing the plan as the work of a single individual rather than a collective process. Those departures and statements added momentum to calls for a full withdrawal.
Investor group, political links and public scrutiny
Reports identified a group of private investors led by an investment vehicle associated with Thrive Capital as the proposed buyer, with the vehicle named “Thrive Eternal” said to be at the head of the consortium. The arrangement drew heightened attention because of the involvement of Joshua Kushner, founder of Thrive, and his family ties to high-profile political figures. That connection amplified public scrutiny and fed concern among federations about outside influence over the game’s marquee event. Political leaders also weighed in, increasing the reputational pressure on FIFA.
Governance consequences and upcoming leadership questions
The episode has renewed questions about governance inside FIFA and the strategic direction set by its president ahead of next year’s election, in which Infantino is expected to stand for re-election. Reports indicate that some regional leaders may challenge his candidacy, citing concerns raised during the controversy. FIFA has signalled an intent to regroup by holding broader consultations with member associations, emphasising unity and development rather than commercial restructuring for the near term.
FIFA’s reversal marks a significant retreat from an ambitious commercial proposal and a reminder of the political realities that govern international football. The organisation now faces the task of repairing relations with confederations and member associations while addressing internal criticism and restoring confidence in its leadership.