Fifa plans continue with controversial World Cup investment strategy

Fifa asserted on July 31, 2026, that "nobody is selling football" and intends to move forward with its proposal to sell stakes in World Cup events to private equity investors. This decision comes after Uefa's recent vote calling for a boycott of World Cups if based on this investment plan. Fifa President Gianni Infantino pointed out that the consultation process had been interrupted by media inaccuracies and emphasized the need for a transparent dialogue with member associations. Fifa's plan, which involves creating a commercial subsidiary to facilitate outside investments, has met with resistance, particularly from Uefa, which accused Fifa of exploiting football for profit. Fifa aims to secure support from at least 106 of its 211 members to advance the proposal, while offering financial incentives to member associations for approval.

• 8:43 AMYahoo Sports — 'Nobody is selling football,' FIFA tells investment-plan critics
• 6:37 AMESPN — FIFA defends WC plan: 'Nobody is selling football'
• 5:34 AMBBC Sport — Nobody is selling football and investment plan continues - Fifa