FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced that the organization would no longer pursue the sale of World Cup profits to private equity investors, a move that came after a wave of criticism from soccer federations across the globe.
Abandoning the Private Equity Scheme
In a statement released on Thursday, Infantino explained that the consultation process would continue, but the controversial financial model would be set aside. He emphasized that "nobody is selling football" and that the sport must remain under the stewardship of its governing bodies.
The backlash was most pronounced in Europe, where national federations declared they would boycott the World Cup and any related FIFA competitions if the plan moved forward. Their collective stance sent a clear signal that the proposal lacked the necessary consensus.
North American Opposition
The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) also voiced its dissent, joining European counterparts in rejecting the idea of monetising World Cup revenues through private equity. Their combined pressure made the proposal untenable.
While the decision marks a significant reversal for FIFA, it does not signal an end to all financial experimentation. The organization indicated that it will explore alternative revenue streams that do not involve divesting World Cup earnings.
Looking Ahead to Upcoming Tournaments
The next major FIFA event on the calendar is the Women’s Under‑20 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Poland from September 5. The tournament will showcase emerging talent and serve as a platform for the continued growth of women's football worldwide.
In parallel, the race to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup is already underway, with the four British football federations forming the sole bidder pool. A decision on the host nation is expected to be announced on November 23, adding another layer of anticipation to the international football calendar.