The International Football Federation (FIFA) has completely withdrawn its plan to attract $200 billion in private investment for the World Cup. The decision came after strong opposition from various football organizations worldwide, including a boycott warning from the European Football Association (UEFA).
On August 1, local time, FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated in a release, "After carefully considering all opinions, it has become clear that this project is dividing the football community. Therefore, we will no longer pursue this proposal as it does not align with our original goals."
Previously, on July 29, FIFA announced the establishment of a separate subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to manage the commercial and operational rights of future World Cups with private capital involvement. The plan included selling approximately 20% of FFE shares to private investors, with a total investment amounting to $200 billion.
FIFA explained that the funds would be reinvested to develop global football, but concerns were raised within the football community about the commercialization of the World Cup and the potential undermining of football governance.
UEFA was the most vocal opponent, stating that FIFA's plan threatened the "soul and governance" of football and even mentioning the possibility of boycotting future men's and women's World Cups. The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) also expressed their opposition through official statements, though they did not mention a boycott.
Opposition also emerged from within FIFA itself. Carlos Cordeiro, a senior advisor to Infantino, resigned in protest, and Kevin Lamour, FIFA's Chief Operating Officer, publicly criticized the plan as a "one-person project."
Infantino stated, "In the coming days and weeks, I will bring all stakeholders together to continue discussions for the common good of football, particularly focusing on the growth of football worldwide, including support for countries in need."
The core of the controversy was the potential for increased influence from private investors. CNN reported that a major investor mentioned was the American investment firm Slyve Eternal, whose executives are related to the brother-in-law of former President Donald Trump. Concerns were raised that investors could exert influence over World Cup operations and decision-making to maximize profits.
With FIFA retracting its plan, attention now shifts to the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup, which begins on September 5 in Poland, and the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil. There is also interest in whether FIFA can restore trust with the global football community following this incident.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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