FIFA chief Gianni Infantino under fire after $4.2bn commercial plan collapses
World football's governing body scrapped a lucrative plan to monetize World Cup rights, sparking a wave of criticism over transparency and governance.
Aug 1, 2026
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Victor Matheson
Latest Slidescroller coverage mentioning Victor Matheson across Soccer, Hockey.
Infantino’s World Cup commercial gamble ends in diplomatic fallout
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino’s plan to commercialise the World Cup collapsed after a coordinated revolt from UEFA and other confederations, exposing deep fractures in football’s governance
Aug 1, 2026
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino’s World Cup investment plan collapses amid UEFA revolt
FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s attempt to monetize the World Cup by selling a 20% stake to private investors was abandoned after UEFA and other confederations threatened a boycott, leading to resignations and a political fallout that jeopardizes his re‑election.
Aug 1, 2026
Infantino’s World Cup Commercial Gamble Unravels
A private‑equity plan to sell a 20% stake in World Cup revenues collapsed after UEFA threatened a boycott, senior advisers quit, and political ties were exposed, jeopardizing Gianni Infantino’s re‑election prospects.
Aug 1, 2026
FIFA Abandons World Cup Commercial Stake Sale Amid Governance Firestorm
FIFA’s plan to offload a 20 % stake in World Cup rights collapsed after fierce opposition, exposing deepening governance tensions ahead of Infantino’s fourth‑term bid.
Aug 1, 2026
FIFA’s Stake Sale Collapse Undermines Infantino’s Re‑Election Bid
FIFA abandoned a plan to sell a 20% stake in World Cup commercial rights after fierce opposition from regional bodies, exposing internal dissent and threatening Gianni Infantino's political capital as he seeks a fourth term.
Aug 1, 2026
2026 World Cup Sets New Attendance Record
More than 3.6 million spectators have marked the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the best‑attended edition, surpassing the 1994 benchmark.
Jun 26, 2026
2026 World Cup Breaks Attendance Record with 3.6 Million Fans
The 2026 World Cup has broken attendance records, drawing over 3.6 million fans to matches in East Rutherford, New Jersey, while economists warn of the impact of high ticket prices and travel restrictions.
Jun 25, 2026
NHL Eyes Texas: A New Frontier for Expansion
The National Hockey League is exploring a potential expansion into Texas, targeting Houston or Austin as the next frontier for franchise growth. Billionaire Dan Friedkin has agreed to study the feasibility, while Commissioner Gary Bettman emphasizes that the decision hinges on market potential and league strategy.
Jun 25, 2026
NHL Eyes Texas Expansion
The National Hockey League is exploring a potential expansion team in Texas, targeting Houston or Austin. Billionaire Dan Friedkin has agreed to a six‑month study with the league, while experts and existing infrastructure suggest the market could support a new franchise.
Jun 25, 2026
NHL Eyes Texas Expansion with $3.5 Billion Investment
The league is studying a $3.5 billion expansion plan that could bring a new NHL team to Texas, with billionaire Dan Friedkin leading the effort and Commissioner Gary Bettman set to review the proposal.
Jun 25, 2026
NHL Eyes Texas Expansion: Houston and Austin on the Radar
The National Hockey League is evaluating a potential expansion into Texas, targeting Houston or Austin for a new franchise. With billionaire Dan Friedkin leading a feasibility study and an estimated $3.5 billion investment on the table, the move reflects the region's large markets and growing populations.
Jun 25, 2026
NHL Eyes Texas Expansion: Houston and Austin on the Radar
The National Hockey League is exploring a potential expansion into Texas, targeting Houston and Austin as prime markets for a new franchise that could reshape the league's geography and finances.
Jun 25, 2026
World Cup Attendance Soars to Record Levels Despite Sky‑High Ticket Prices
Record crowds and soaring resale values underscore a growing willingness among American consumers to pay premium prices for major sporting spectacles, while FIFA faces criticism over its pricing and political entanglements.
Jun 23, 2026
World Cup Attendance Soars Despite High Costs, Signaling Strong Demand for Global Spectacle
Despite soaring ticket prices and travel hurdles, World Cup matches are drawing near‑full stadiums across the United States, underscoring America's appetite for marquee events and setting a promising template for the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics.
Jun 23, 2026
Record-Breaking Crowds at the 2026 World Cup Highlight U.S. Appetite for Spectacle
Through 44 matches of the 2026 tournament, organizers have logged more than 2.85 million spectators, keeping stadiums at roughly 99.6 percent capacity. The surge comes despite average ticket prices climbing into the hundreds of dollars and travel restrictions that have limited some international arrivals.
Jun 23, 2026
World Cup Attendance Hits Record Highs Amid High Prices and Travel Limits
Despite soaring ticket costs and restrictions that have barred many would‑be fans, the 2026 World Cup is drawing near‑full stadiums across the United States, underscoring a U.S. appetite for marquee events.
Jun 23, 2026
Robert Kraft’s Decades‑Long Push to Bring the 2026 World Cup to Boston
A look at how Kraft’s network, from local officials to global football’s governing bodies, has shaped Boston’s bid for the sport’s biggest showcase.
Jun 11, 2026
FIFA’s 2026 World Cup Ticket Pricing Under Scrutiny as Attorneys General Probe Dynamic Pricing Practices
An investigation led by New York Attorney General Letitia James and New Jersey counterparts targets FIFA's use of dynamic pricing for the 2026 World Cup, raising concerns that exorbitant ticket costs and misleading sales could alienate fans and reshape the event's audience.
Jun 2, 2026