FIFA Abandons Plan to Commercialize World Cup Amid Global Opposition
FIFA has decided not to proceed with a controversial plan to create a $20 billion commercial arm by selling stakes in the World Cup and other events to private investors. The proposal, announced by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, faced significant backlash from soccer confederations across Europe, Asia, and the Americas. These groups argued that the plan would undermine the World Cup's legacy as a non-profit sporting event. Infantino acknowledged that the proposal had caused divisions and was not in line with FIFA's objectives to unite and improve the sport. The plan, which followed the profitable 2026 FIFA World Cup hosted by the U.S., Mexico, and Canada, would have allowed private investors to exploit the commercial side of the sport, with FIFA retaining a controlling share. 
