FIFA has officially abandoned its controversial proposal to bring private investors into the commercial management of the World Cup after facing overwhelming opposition from football authorities around the world.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed on Saturday that the plan would no longer go ahead.
“Our purpose has always been — and will always be — to unite and improve,” Infantino said.
“As a result, this proposal will not proceed.”
Earlier this week, FIFA unveiled plans to create a commercial subsidiary known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), valuing it at around $20 billion and hoping to attract up to $4.2 billion in investment.
The governing body argued the project would provide greater financial support for football worldwide.
Under the proposal, each of FIFA’s 211 member associations could have received a one-off payment of $20 million in 2027, while regular development funding would also have increased.
Instead of attracting support, however, the proposal triggered widespread criticism.
UEFA warned that no European national team would compete in FIFA competitions if the project went ahead.
The Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF also opposed the idea, saying any major decision affecting world football should involve proper consultation with confederations and member associations.
“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product,” UEFA said.
Pressure intensified when FIFA adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned, describing the proposal as harmful to football’s long-term future.
Even CONMEBOL, whose leadership is considered close to Infantino, stopped short of backing the plan and instead requested more information about its structure and possible consequences.
Acknowledging the growing divisions, Infantino admitted the proposal had become too controversial.
“Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions that are no longer in the interest of the objective we wanted to achieve,” he said.
Infantino added that FIFA would now focus on rebuilding unity across world football while continuing efforts to grow the game, particularly in countries that need greater financial support.
