According to reports, FIFA aimed to raise up to $4.2 billion (£3.1 billion) by selling a about a 20% stake in the group, valuing the new arm at $20 billion (£14.8 billion) - but the deal has fallen through after much pushback01:58, 01 Aug 2026FIFA's plan to sell part of its empire to outside investors has collapsed after pushback from officials globally and a rift between the football governing body's executives.‌It has been reported that FIFA aimed to raise up to $4.2 billion (£3.1 billion) by selling a about a 20% stake in the group, valuing the new arm at $20 billion (£14.8 billion).‌The FIFA Forward Enterprise project deal, which sparked major pushback even from the top brass, has fallen through FIFA President Gianni Infantino confirmed and four sources familiar with the matter told the New York Post.‌Speaking to Sky News, Infantino said: "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. 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, and in particular in those counties that most need our support," Infantino said.The Mirror has approached FIFA for comment.The deal reportedly involved Thrive Capital, a firm run by New York venture capitalist Joshua Kushner, the brother of Jared Kushner - US President Donald Trump's son-in-law.‌"They are not the feeling this. There is no way they want to continue to be involved in this mess," said a source told the New York Post on the collapsed deal."Kushner will figure out another way to get involved in this space. This is becoming a brand nightmare."‌The failed proposal called for FIFA, a non-profit under Swiss law, to transfer its cash-making assets into a new entity called FIFA Forward Enterprise. The cash-making assets includes TV rights, sponsor deals, licensing and ticketing.Infantino gave FIFA's 211 member nations until September 19 to back the deal, dangling pay-outs of up to $40 million each, according to reports.Critics called the situation a bribe with a deadline and the situation has placed pressure on Infantino's grip on the presidency.‌European soccer chiefs threatened to boycott the World Cup and other events, while members of FIFA's North American bloc rejected the plan and on Friday, the Asian Football Confederation joined the opposition.The backlash also reached Infantino's inner circle.‌FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour told The Associated Press on Friday that senior staff felt "deceived" by Infantino's lack of transparency."The project that has sparked so much controversy and debate is not a FIFA project," Lamour said."It is the project of one person."‌Lamour said the situation showed "a lack of trust, a lack of transparency, a lack of discernment, a lack of good governance. And a serious lack of respect."Also on Friday, Infantino's senior adviser and a former Goldman Sachs partner, Carlos Cordeiro, resigned over the proposal.Article continues below"I cannot stand by while FIFA considers selling a stake in the World Cup," Cordeiro said in a statement.Many member nations view the fight as a vote of confidence ahead of March's presidential election.