FIFA has abandoned plans to open the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup to private investors after football confederations and national associations united in opposition, forcing the governing body into a dramatic policy reversal.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed on Saturday that the proposal had been withdrawn, acknowledging that it had created divisions within the global football community.
“Our purpose has always been – and will always be – to unite and improve,” Infantino said. “As a result, this proposal will not proceed.”
The plan proposed establishing FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a commercial subsidiary that would oversee competitions such as the FIFA World Cup and Club World Cup. FIFA estimated the venture could attract up to $4.2 billion in investment based on a valuation of $20 billion.
Football’s governing body argued the initiative would significantly boost funding for its 211 member associations, including a once-off payment of $20 million in 2027 and increased development funding during the 2027–2030 cycle.
However, opposition emerged almost immediately.
UEFA warned that its member associations would refuse to participate in FIFA competitions while the proposal remained under consideration, insisting that the World Cup should never become an investment asset.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC), CONCACAF and South American confederation CONMEBOL also raised serious concerns, calling for greater transparency and consultation before any decision affecting global football.
The Mexican Football Federation welcomed FIFA’s decision to withdraw the proposal, saying unity among football’s governing bodies had ultimately prevailed.
Pressure intensified after senior FIFA adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned, describing the investment proposal as damaging to member associations and the long-term future of football.
Infantino conceded that, despite support from some quarters, the proposal had become too divisive to continue.
He said FIFA would now focus on rebuilding consensus among confederations, member associations and stakeholders while continuing efforts to expand football development, particularly in countries requiring greater financial assistance.
The decision marks one of the most significant reversals of Infantino’s presidency and highlights the influence that football’s continental confederations continue to wield over the governance of the global game.