FIFA has officially abandoned its controversial plan to sell a 20 percent stake in a new business unit to private investors. The proposal, intended to raise $4.2 billion by valuing the venture at $20 billion, faced immediate and fierce opposition from member associations across the globe. European football governing body UEFA led the resistance, going as far as to vote for a boycott of all FIFA competitions if the plan moved forward.
Internal turmoil accompanied the external pressure. FIFA President Gianni Infantino saw the resignation of his senior adviser, Carlos Cordeiro, who publicly labeled the proposal a bad deal for the sport. Furthermore, FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour stated that staff felt deceived by the process, characterizing the initiative as the project of a single individual rather than a collective governing decision.
Critics argue that the move threatened the integrity of the sport. UEFA went on record stating that the proposal was developed in secret and claimed it essentially put the soul of football up for sale. The Asian Football Confederation also expressed concerns, urging FIFA to review its governance and decision-making framework to address the fundamental weaknesses exposed during this period.
While the plan is now dead, the political fallout for Gianni Infantino remains significant. As he prepares for a re-election bid in March 2031, questions regarding his leadership style are circulating among member associations. North American football chief Victor Montagliani is currently seen as a potential challenger for the presidency. With the nomination deadline set for November 18, the coming months will determine if Infantino can maintain his position following this significant institutional setback.