FIFA Scraps Plan to Sell Stakes in Major Competitions Amid Widespread Opposition

Key Takeaways

• FIFA president Gianni Infantino has scrapped plans to sell stakes in the governing body's major competitions.
• The decision comes after widespread opposition from European football's 55 member associations, as well as other major confederations.
• Infantino has vowed to 'bring all interested parties back together' in the 'spirit of shared interest' in football.
• The governing body's chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, had previously stated that FIFA's administration had been 'deceived' about the project.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has announced that he is scrapping plans to sell stakes in the governing body's major competitions, following widespread opposition from European football's 55 member associations and other major confederations.

The decision marks a significant shift in Infantino's stance, as he had initially offered all 211 member associations $40m if they backed a proposal for private investment in its tournaments, including the men's and women's World Cups.

Background & Context

The controversy surrounding FIFA's plans to sell stakes in its major competitions had been brewing for several weeks, with many of its member associations expressing concerns over the potential impact on the sport.

European football's 55 member associations, Uefa, had voted to boycott World Cups if the plans went ahead, while the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Concacaf had also spoken out against the proposals.

Key Findings

The plans had been met with fierce opposition from many of FIFA's member associations, with some expressing concerns over the potential impact on the sport's integrity and others questioning the need for private investment.

The governing body's chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, had previously stated that FIFA's administration had been 'deceived' about the project, highlighting the level of discontent within the organization.

Broader Implications

The decision to scrap the plans has significant implications for the future of FIFA and its relationships with its member associations.

Infantino's commitment to 'bring all interested parties back together' in the 'spirit of shared interest' in football suggests a willingness to engage in dialogue and address the concerns of its member associations.

Looking Ahead

The decision to scrap the plans marks a significant shift in Infantino's stance and highlights the level of opposition he faced from within the football community.

As Infantino seeks re-election for a fourth term as president at the FIFA Congress in March, this decision may have significant implications for his chances of success.