FIFA has abandoned its controversial plan to sell a minority stake in the commercial rights to the World Cup after fierce opposition from regional football confederations exposed deep divisions within the sport and intensified scrutiny of President Gianni Infantino's leadership ahead of his expected bid for another term.
The governing body confirmed Friday that it would not move forward with the proposal after just four days of mounting resistance from football authorities around the world, marking one of the most significant policy reversals of Infantino's presidency.
The plan, unveiled Tuesday, sought to raise as much as $4.2 billion by selling roughly a 20% stake in a newly created commercial entity that would oversee FIFA's biggest tournaments, including the World Cup. FIFA argued the investment would generate billions of dollars for football development programs worldwide.
Instead, the proposal triggered an extraordinary backlash.
Regional confederations accused FIFA of failing to properly consult its members before announcing a move that many believed would fundamentally reshape the commercial future of world football. Critics warned the governing body was placing one of sport's most valuable assets into private hands.
