FIFA President Gianni Infantino has scrapped a plan to sell private-equity stakes in future World Cup tournaments [1].
The decision marks a significant retreat for the global soccer governing body after it attempted to monetize the tournament's long-term commercial rights. The move prevents private firms from gaining direct ownership or control over the world's most prestigious sporting event.
The abandoned investment plan was valued at $20 billion [4]. The proposal sought to bring in external capital to grow the game, but it faced immediate and intense opposition from various footballing bodies and stakeholders.
According to reports, the reversal occurred between July 30 and July 31 [5, 6]. The decision followed threats from the Union of European Football Associations, known as UEFA, to boycott FIFA competitions [2, 5].
Opposition also grew in Asia, where officials warned of the risks associated with allowing private equity to influence the sport's governance [5]. The broad backlash centered on concerns that private investors would prioritize profit over the integrity, and tradition of the game.
Infantino said the plan was no longer being pursued [1]. This concludes a period of high tension between the governing body and its member confederations regarding the commercialization of the sport.
“FIFA has scrapped its plan to sell private-equity stakes in future World Cup tournaments”
This reversal demonstrates the limited power FIFA holds when its proposals clash with the interests of major regional confederations like UEFA. By blocking the $20 billion deal, football's governing bodies have reaffirmed a preference for institutional control over the rapid capital infusion and potential volatility that private equity often brings to professional sports.
