Infantino abandons plans to sell World Cup profits to private equity following massive pushback – AP News
Photo by Piero Regnante on Unsplash
**Infantino Backs Down on Private Equity Deal for World Cup Profits**
In a surprising U-turn, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has abandoned plans to sell a portion of the World Cup profits to private equity firms, amidst growing opposition from football stakeholders and governments worldwide. The news comes as a major relief to those who had expressed concerns over the potential sale, which would have seen a significant chunk of the tournament’s revenue transferred to the private sector.
According to sources, Infantino had been in talks with several private equity firms to explore the possibility of a lucrative deal, which could have yielded hundreds of millions of dollars. However, the proposal was met with widespread criticism from the football community, with many questioning the ethics and motives behind the plan.
The FIFA President faced intense backlash from various governments, including those of the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, which had expressed concerns over the potential sale’s impact on the sport’s integrity and the distribution of revenue. Additionally, several high-profile football personalities, including UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin and former FIFA President Sepp Blatter, publicly voiced their opposition to the plan.
The sudden change of heart from Infantino marks a significant victory for those who had rallied against the proposal. While details of the abandoned deal have not been made public, it is clear that the pressure from the football community and governments worldwide played a significant role in Infantino’s decision.
As the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico draws near, Infantino’s decision is expected to bring much-needed clarity and stability to the sport’s governing body. The move will also likely ease concerns over the distribution of revenue and ensure that the World Cup’s profits remain within the sport’s ecosystem, where they can benefit football development and initiatives worldwide.
