In brief
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has called off a controversial plan to sell stakes in the FIFA World Cup after it sparked widespread debate over the sport’s integrity and the governing body’s objectives. BBC reporter Shaimaa Khalil reports that Infantino said the proposal had "created divisions" and was no longer aligned with the Confederation’s mission. The move follows back‑and‑forth talks with sponsors and clubs that had once opted to purchase shares. Critics argue the sale could undermine the sporting ethos and the financial sovereignty of clubs worldwide. FIFA’s decision marks a significant shift from a potentially lucrative revenue stream to preserving the traditional values of international football.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has decided to shelve plans to sell stakes in the world’s most celebrated football tournament after it faced heavy criticism from both within and outside the sport.
In an interview with BBC journalist Shaimaa Khalil, Infantino admitted that the proposal “had created divisions that are no longer in the interest of its original objective.” He warned that the move could undermine the sport’s integrity and the financial sovereignty of clubs worldwide.
The plan had once been touted as a potential revenue boost, with several sponsors and clubs showing interest in purchasing shares. However, the backlash over financial control and fairness caused FIFA to reassess its strategy.
Sources say that FIFA’s decision follows a period of intense debate among club owners, broadcasters, and national associations. The Confederation’s dissolution of this scheme could help steer it back to its foundational principles of fostering competitive balance and protecting the sport’s spirit.
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