Gianni Infantino withdraws World Cup funding plan amid fierce backlash
3 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 1, 2026, 12:42 PM
Last updated Aug 1, 2026
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has withdrawn a controversial plan for private investment in World Cup funding following severe criticism from UEFA, which stated it has "lost confidence" in his leadership. The backlash echoes the fallout from the European Super League proposal in 2021. Infantino's plan was criticized for a lack of transparency and questioned given FIFA's substantial financial reserves. UEFA's statement labeled specific actions as "shabby" and highlighted a failure to maintain promises regarding governance. The fallout raises questions about Infantino's future in FIFA leadership.
- •Infantino's funding plan lasted two days longer than the European Super League.
- •UEFA criticized Infantino for lack of transparency in FIFA's decision-making.
- •FIFA is expected to announce record revenues of about $15 billion this summer.
- •Sheikh Salman from the AFC emphasized the need for proper consultation on future plans.
- •Infantino's leadership now faces increased scrutiny from various football governing bodies.
- 12:42 PMYahoo Sports — Infantino and four dramatic days that shook football
- 12:42 PMBBC Sport — The four dramatic days that shook Infantino and world football
"BBC Sport's Simon Stone reflects on the unravelling of Gianni Infantino's plans to sell off stakes in Fifa competitions.
"BBC Sport's Simon Stone reflects on the unravelling of Gianni Infantino's plans to sell off stakes in Fifa competitions.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 1, 2026, 12:42 PMInfantino and four dramatic days that shook football
BBC Sport's Simon Stone reflects on the unravelling of Gianni Infantino's plans to sell off stakes in Fifa competitions.
- BBC SportAug 1, 2026, 12:42 PMThe four dramatic days that shook Infantino and world football
BBC Sport's Simon Stone reflects on the unravelling of Gianni Infantino's plans to sell off stakes in Fifa competitions.
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