Infantino backs down as UEFA, AFC and other football bodies reject private investor proposal over governance and integrity concerns

FIFA has officially abandoned its proposed $20 billion private investment plan for future World Cup tournaments, bowing to intense pressure and widespread criticism from football stakeholders around the world.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed the decision, admitting the proposal had created deep divisions within the global football community and would no longer move forward.

The plan had sought to establish a separate commercial subsidiary that would allow private investors to buy stakes in the commercial and operational rights of FIFA competitions, including the World Cup. FIFA had argued that the initiative would unlock significant revenue to support football development worldwide, particularly in less-funded regions.

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However, the proposal was met with swift resistance, as critics raised concerns about governance, transparency, and the potential influence of profit-driven investors on the integrity of the sport.

Infantino acknowledged the backlash, stressing that FIFA’s priority remains the unity and growth of football. He said the organisation would instead begin fresh consultations with member associations and key stakeholders to explore more widely supported strategies for strengthening the game globally.

Opposition intensified when UEFA reportedly threatened to boycott future World Cup tournaments if the plan went ahead. Other continental bodies, including the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and CONCACAF, also rejected the proposal, further isolating FIFA’s leadership.

The controversy also exposed internal cracks within FIFA. Senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned in protest, while Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour publicly distanced himself from the initiative, describing it as the vision of a single individual rather than a broadly supported strategy.

Concerns were also raised about the involvement of private investment firm Thrive Eternal, led by Joshua Kushner. Critics warned that allowing such investors into the commercial structure of global football could eventually open the door to undue influence over decision-making.

Although FIFA had earlier defended the plan, insisting that proceeds would be reinvested into the sport and that reports had misrepresented its intentions, the mounting opposition ultimately forced a reversal.

With the proposal now shelved, FIFA is expected to refocus on upcoming international tournaments, including the FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup in Poland and the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil, while working to rebuild trust and consensus across the global football community.