FIFA president Gianni Infantino vowed to proceed with consultation on a proposed private investment plan for the World Cup despite opposition from the Asian Football Confederation, UEFA, and CONCACAF. Senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro resigned in protest, stating he "cannot stand by while FIFA considers selling a stake in the World Cup."
19 hours ago · Citizen Digital →
Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso said football must be kept out of private hands and remain "for the people," backing UEFA's opposition to FIFA's proposal to sell stakes in a commercial subsidiary that would run the World Cup.
20 hours ago · Citizen Digital →
FIFA plans to create FIFA Forward Enterprise, a subsidiary bundling its money-making activities (broadcast rights, sponsorship, ticketing, licensing, event delivery) valued at around $20 billion, and would sell up to 20% stakes to outside investors while retaining majority control.
31 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
FIFA said Friday it will proceed with stakeholder consultation on a proposed private investment plan, dismissing what it called "incorrect media reports." UEFA responded by threatening to boycott the World Cup if FIFA presses ahead, stating that no UEFA national teams will participate in FIFA competitions while the private ownership proposals remain.
31 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
UEFA said Thursday it would boycott the World Cup if FIFA proceeds with private investor proposals, stating that no UEFA national teams will participate in any FIFA competition unless the proposal is abandoned and FIFA gives binding assurances it will never open governance or competitions to private ownership.
31 July 2026 · Citizen Digital →
FIFA has proposed selling a private stake in the World Cup, triggering escalating conflict within the global football community just 24 hours after the announcement.
31 July 2026 · The Standard →
FIFA said on Friday it would continue consulting member associations on a proposed private investment plan for World Cup operations, even as UEFA pledged to boycott the World Cup and CONCACAF's 41 member associations rejected the proposal. FIFA's plan could raise up to $4.2 billion based on a $20 billion valuation of its commercial subsidiary FFE.
31 July 2026 · The Standard →
FIFA president Gianni Infantino's senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro resigned, opposing the organization's proposed private investment plan involving World Cup stakes. The Asian Football Confederation joined UEFA and CONCACAF in condemning the plan, noting that a World Cup boycott has entered public discourse.
31 July 2026 · The Standard →