FIFA scraps World Cup privatisation plan following international pressure

Gianni Infantino has officially announced he is scrapping the controversial FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) following widespread objections to the commercial project.

In an official statement attributed to Infantino, he confirmed that FIFA would not proceed with the project, noting that consultations with member associations and stakeholders had revealed a lack of sufficient consensus to support selling shares to private investors.

However, it emphasised that the dialogue would continue regarding any future initiatives aimed at boosting revenue and developing international football.

Statement attributable to the FIFA President

The FIFA Forward Enterprise project was intended to provide a basis for further strengthening our FIFA Member Associations and our sport worldwide, especially in those countries where support is most needed. And more so, as we said…

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— FIFA Media (@fifamedia) July 31, 2026

FIFA didn’t anticipate such backlash

The FFE project was one of the largest investment initiatives launched by Infantino, aimed at establishing a new commercial entity to manage the commercial rights of FIFA tournaments.

Foremost among them was the World Cup, with the possibility of selling up to a 20% stake in the company to external investors.

Opponents argued that bringing in external investors to manage the commercial rights of the sport’s most important tournament could pave the way for the privatisation of some of FIFA’s assets. There were also fears this would grant the private sector unprecedented influence over the future of international competitions.

UEFA led the opposition, arguing that it undermines the independence of the football governing body. Several national associations also raised similar objections, amid warnings that pressing ahead with the plan could lead to an unprecedented split within the football community.

Even Andy Burnham lent his voice to the opposition, claiming that Infantino “is not the right person to lead FIFA”.

The prime minister called for his resignation and emphasised that football “belongs to the fans and is not the property of investors”.

However, Infantino has always maintained that the FFE was not a plan to sell off the World Cup.

A blow for Infantino and his future

The decision to backtrack is seen as a major setback for the FIFA president and now there are doubts as to whether he will continue in this role after March 2027.

By scrapping the plan, FIFA has succeeded in containing a crisis that was on the verge of escalating. However, this U-turn has simultaneously exposed the limits of Infantino’s ability to push through strategic initiatives without securing broad consensus within the global football community.

Featured image via Central FM

By Alaa Shamali

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