FIFA had proposed to set up a commercial subsidiary which would sell a 20 per cent stake in the World Cup to private investors.2 min readPublished 1 August 2026 10:07amUpdated 19m ago 10:14amBy Miles ProustSource: SBS NewsSkip to article contentFIFA has abandoned plans to sell a stake in the World Cup after fierce backlash and threats of boycotts. In a statement, FIFA president Gianni Infantino said: "The FIFA Forward Enterprise project was intended to provide a basis for further strengthening our FIFA Member Associations and our sport worldwide, especially in those countries where support is most needed. "And more so, as we said from the outset, to do this only if a majority of the FIFA Member Associations were in support and always subject to a consultation process with them, the FIFA Council, the Confederations and wider stakeholders. "Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place."Our purpose has always been — and will always be — to unite and improve. News that makes senseYour trusted source for staying up-to-date with the world around you. Get free daily news updates and analysis, straight to your inbox."As a result, this proposal will not proceed. "Moving forward, my intent is to bring all interested parties back together in the coming days and weeks in the spirit of shared interest in our game, and with the objective to continue growing football everywhere, particularly in those countries that mostly need our support."This is a developing story and this article will be updated.For the latest from SBS News, download our app and subscribe to our newsletter.