FIFA's Infantino Scraps World Cup Investment Plan. But Is It Too Little, Too Late?

FIFA President Gianni Infantino said Friday he will scrap a plan to sell private investors a stake in a new commercial venture tied to the World Cup, following backlash from European and regional football bodies. Infantino cited a loss of unity and said the proposal would not proceed because it was no longer in the interest of FIFA’s objective to unite and improve. The reversal came as all 55 UEFA members vowed to boycott future FIFA competitions and after FIFA advisor Carlos Cordeiro resigned, saying he opposed the deal. UEFA also continued criticizing FIFA leadership, while the dispute could complicate Infantino’s 2027 reelection campaign after earlier support and expectations of running unopposed.