FIFA President Gianni Infantino recently faced a significant setback. On Friday, FIFA decided to abandon its controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. This plan had sparked strong opposition from European countries and within FIFA itself.
The decision to drop the plan represents a considerable defeat for Infantino, who announced the proposal on Tuesday. It aimed to create a commercial venture that would capitalize on the World Cup and the Club World Cup. This announcement came after the profitable men’s tournament, held across North America, concluded.
The most disputed aspect of the proposal was the plan to sell a minority stake to private investors. Among these investors was a firm managed by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, linked to former President Trump. Infantino stated, “Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that are no longer in the interest of the objective originally set out.” He emphasized that FIFA’s purpose is to unite and improve, leading to the decision to halt the proposal.
European Nations’ Threats to Boycott
Infantino’s plan encountered immediate and strong opposition. European nations were particularly vocal, threatening to boycott the World Cup unless FIFA abandoned the plan. UEFA, Europe’s soccer governing body, argued that the deal resembled a “sale” of football. While CONCACAF, representing North and Central America and the Caribbean, along with the AFC, representing Asia, opposed the plan, they did not go as far as threatening boycotts.
Opposition also arose within FIFA, creating another obstacle for Infantino. Carlos Cordeiro, a top adviser to FIFA’s President, resigned over the plan. Additionally, Kevin Lamour, FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer, criticized the proposal. He shared his views with the Associated Press, stating that FIFA staff had been “blindsided,” calling the plan the “project of one person.” Despite the potential consequences, he asserted, “At least I’ll sleep well tonight.”
Implications for Infantino’s Future
The decision not to pursue this plan presents a significant challenge for Infantino. He had recently overseen the most financially successful World Cup, with FIFA projected to raise $15 billion over four years, primarily due to the men’s tournament in North America. However, Infantino also dealt with criticisms, including high ticket prices and FIFA’s controversial “Peace Prize” award to President Trump. FIFA also suspended a red card for U.S. men’s national team player Folarin Balogun after intervention by Trump and his administration.
Infantino is expected to seek a third term when his current one concludes next year. He has highlighted FIFA’s financial gains, which will benefit its 211 members. Yet, his proposal to sell World Cup stakes was a step too far for many, creating intense pressure both externally and within FIFA.
In his statement, Infantino expressed his intention to rebuild relationships. “Moving forward, my intent is to bring all interested parties back together in the coming days and weeks,” he said, aiming for “shared interest in our game” and promoting football growth, especially in countries needing support.
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