FIFA scraps private investment plan after backlash

FIFA has officially scrapped its controversial $20 billion commercial investment plan, abandoning proposals to sell stakes in a new event-operating subsidiary following swift global backlash.

The abandoned initiative had faced fierce opposition, key boycott threats, and high-profile resignations. The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) threatened a complete boycott of FIFA competitions, while regional bodies like CONCACAF and the AFC condemned the monetization model.

Senior FIFA adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned in protest, calling the scheme a bad deal for football, leading FIFA President Gianni Infantino to formally announce that the proposal will not proceed.