FIFA Abandons Controversial World Cup Privatization Effort

WHO:

Deadline - FIFA, led by President Gianni Infantino, is the governing body involved in the decision.

WHAT:

Deadline - FIFA announced it would not proceed with a plan to create a $20 billion commercial arm by selling stakes in the World Cup and other events to private investors.

NBC News - The plan to sell stakes in the World Cup was scrapped after strong backlash from various organizations.

WHERE:

NBC News - The backlash included statements of non-participation in FIFA events from organizations in Europe, Asia, and North America.

WHY:

NBC News - The decision to cancel the plan was influenced by strong criticism from several soccer confederations.

HOW:

Deadline - The proposal faced criticism from the outset, leading to FIFA's decision to abandon the plan.

(UPDATED August 1, 2026 02:52 UTC)

FIFA, under the leadership of President Gianni Infantino, has decided not to move forward with a controversial plan to create a $20 billion commercial arm by selling stakes in the World Cup and other events to private investors. This decision comes after significant backlash from various organizations across Europe, Asia, and North America, which included statements of non-participation in FIFA events. The strong criticism from several soccer confederations ultimately influenced FIFA's choice to scrap the proposal.