FIFA Scraps World Cup Sell-Off Plan Amidst Member Resistance

Last updated: August 1, 2026 4:00 am

8 hours ago

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FIFA has officially scrapped its plan to sell a portion of its business, including stakes in the World Cup, after facing strong opposition from member associations. The proposed $4.2 billion deal aimed to sell a 20% stake in a new entity, valuing it at $20 billion.

President Gianni Infantino cited the divisions created by the project as the reason for its withdrawal, emphasizing FIFA’s commitment to unity and improvement. The decision followed a threat of boycott from UEFA and internal resignations, highlighting concerns over the commercialization of the sport.

FIFA Abandons Multi-Billion Dollar Business Sale After Fierce Opposition

In a significant turn of events, FIFA, the global governing body for soccer, has officially withdrawn its ambitious proposal to sell a stake in its business operations, including the lucrative World Cup, following a strong backlash from its member associations. The plan, which aimed to raise up to $4.2 billion by divesting approximately 20% of a new entity valued at $20 billion, has been halted after facing widespread criticism and internal dissent.

FIFA Scraps World Cup Sell-Off Plan Amidst Member Resistance — FIFA President Gianni Infantino, seen here at the Semafor World Economy Summit, stated the decision was made after listening to all views.

The proposal, unveiled earlier in the week, was met with immediate and severe opposition, most notably from UEFA, the governing body for European football. UEFA had threatened a boycott, condemning FIFA for allegedly putting the "soul" of the sport up for sale. FIFA President Gianni Infantino acknowledged the divisions created by the project, stating in a released statement, "Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place." He further added, "Our purpose has always been - and will always be - to unite and improve. As a result, this proposal will not proceed."

The controversy also led to the immediate resignation of FIFA senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro, who called the plan "a bad deal for football." Adding to the internal turmoil, FIFA's Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour reportedly stated that staff felt "deceived" and described the proposal as a "project of one person." Even British Prime Minister Andy Burnham weighed in, suggesting Infantino was "the wrong man to lead the organisation."

This decision marks a significant retreat for FIFA, which had been exploring new avenues for financing and expansion. The resistance highlights the deep-seated concerns among football's traditional stakeholders regarding the commercialization and potential impact on the integrity of the sport.