FIFA President Gianni Infantino poses with the World Cup trophy following the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Play-Off draw at the FIFA’s Home of Football in Zurich on Nov. 20, 2025.
Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images
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Fabrice Coffrini/AFP via Getty Images
FIFA has decided to scrap its plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors following strong opposition from European countries and internal dissent.
This reversal is a significant setback for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who had promoted a plan to establish a commercial entity to profit from its tournaments, including the World Cup and the Club World Cup. This decision follows the recent conclusion of its highly profitable men’s tournament in North America.
A particularly contentious aspect of the plan was the proposal to sell a minority share to private investors, including a company led by Joshua Kushner, relative of Jared Kushner.
In a statement, Infantino admitted, “After closely considering all opinions, it is evident that the initiative has caused divisions that, regardless of the support level, no longer align with the original goal.”
He added, “Our mission has always been to unite and enhance. Consequently, this proposal will not move forward.”
European nations threatened to boycott the World Cup
Resistance to Infantino’s proposal was swift from its initial announcement.
European nations expressed their strong opposition, even threatening to boycott the World Cup unless FIFA withdrew the plan. UEFA, the governing body for soccer in the region, argued that such a deal would equate to the “sale” of football.
CONCACAF, which represents North and Central America and the Caribbean, along with the AFC representing Asia, also voiced opposition but stopped short of threatening a boycott.
Spain lifts the World Cup trophy in the tournament final after defeating Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., on July 19, 2026.
Carl Recine/Getty Images North America
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Carl Recine/Getty Images North America
The plan also faced significant internal resistance within FIFA, dealing another major blow to Infantino.
Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to Infantino, resigned earlier, citing his disagreement with the plan. Additionally, FIFA’s chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, publicly criticized the plan in a statement to the Associated Press, expressing that the staff had been caught off guard. He referred to the plan as “the project of one person,” alluding to Infantino, and stated his readiness to be dismissed for his stance, declaring, “At least I’ll sleep well tonight.”
All eyes on FIFA chief Infantino’s future
This represents a significant setback for Infantino, who recently managed the most lucrative World Cup, with FIFA poised to generate $15 billion over the past four years, largely from the men’s tournament held in North America.
Infantino has also been embroiled in several controversies, including backlash over high ticket prices and FIFA’s contentious decision to award a “Peace Prize” to President Trump.
FIFA also reversed a red card decision against U.S. men’s national team player Folarin Balogun after President Trump and his administration requested a review.
Infantino, who is widely expected to seek a third term when his current term ends next year, pointed to the billions FIFA has made, much of which will be distributed among FIFA’s 211 members.
However, his proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup went too far, subjecting him to intense pressure both externally and internally within FIFA.
In his statement, Infantino expressed his intention to reconcile differences.
“Looking ahead, I aim to bring all interested parties together in the coming days and weeks to foster shared interests in our sport, with the goal of continuing to grow football, especially in countries that need our support the most,” he stated.
