FIFA reverses investment plan amid widespread backlash from football community

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced on August 1, 2026, the cancellation of plans to sell stakes in the World Cup and other events to private investors. This decision followed significant opposition from various football organizations, including UEFA and the Asian Football Confederation, which critiqued the initial proposal and expressed a loss of confidence in Infantino's leadership. UEFA welcomed the withdrawal, stating it was a victory for the game and emphasized the need to rebuild trust within FIFA. Concerns regarding governance and transparency remain prominent among stakeholders, with calls for continued dialogue about football's future.

• 1:59 PMYahoo Sports — Infantino’s FIFA crisis: What is reaction to World Cup investment U-turn?