FIFA withdraws proposal to commercialize World Cup after backlash
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 4, 2026, 3:46 AM
Last updated Aug 4, 2026
FIFA President Gianni Infantino scrapped a proposal for FIFA Forward Enterprises that aimed to manage commercial operations for events like the World Cup. This decision followed intense pushback from the 55 European federations, who vowed to boycott FIFA competitions if the plan proceeded. The proposal sought to sell 21 percent to private investors, potentially raising $4.2 billion. Infantino faced diminishing support as the fallout continued, including threats of legal action from UEFA and a withdrawal of support from the English Football Association for his re-election. The future of his presidency remains uncertain amid these challenges.
- •FIFA's new company aimed to oversee World Cup commercial operations.
- •European federations unanimously opposed the proposal, threatening boycotts.
- •Infantino acknowledged the need to withdraw the plan after backlash.
- •UEFA and English FA expressed intentions to challenge Infantino's presidency.
- •US women's competitions are among those at risk from FIFA's proposals.
- 3:46 AMYahoo Sports — FIFA’s thwarted plan that left us weary. Plus: Readers’ NWSL All-Star Game ideas
"Full Time Newsletter ⚽| This is The Athletic’s weekly women’s soccer newsletter. Sign up here to receive Full Time directly in your inbox. Happy Monday! It’s time to believe again. Read to the end to understand what we mean. Today: 😵💫 Who owns soccer? 🗓️ NWSL’s 2027 schedule 🗣️ Readers’ NWSL All-Star ideas Up first, the week that almost ended soccer as we know it … Soccer’s Soul at Stake: A week of revelations, rejection and reckoning If you happened to be away toward the end of last week, don’
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