A decision met with cautious optimism
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced on Thursday that the governing body would abandon its proposal to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors, a move that followed a wave of criticism from across the football community.
The announcement was welcomed by several national associations, including England’s Football Association, which called for a thorough review of FIFA’s leadership and governance to ensure transparency and long‑term stewardship of the sport.
The Dutch FA, however, stopped short of full endorsement, stating that the withdrawal did not resolve lingering trust issues with Infantino and that the KNVB no longer had confidence in his leadership.
UEFA seized the moment to outline a new resource distribution model through the FIFA Forward programme, promising a more equitable sharing of revenues among member associations.
Belgian Football Association board chair Pascale Van Damme reaffirmed her organization’s commitment to a strong, independent and sustainable model for international football, emphasizing the need for continued reform.
AFC President Sheikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al‑Khalifa echoed the sentiment, stressing the importance of proper consultation and collective dialogue in shaping the future of global football.
Football Australia chairman Anter Isaac highlighted the necessity of integrity, independence, good governance, transparency and due process, rejecting the original proposal’s flawed process.
Swedish Football Association chairman Simon Åström welcomed the decision but warned that transparency and governance deficiencies remain unresolved, urging further action to restore confidence.
The episode underscores a growing demand for accountability within football’s governing bodies, as stakeholders push for reforms that prioritize the sport’s integrity over commercial experimentation.