What happened: FIFA withdrew the World Cup private investment plan
FIFA president Gianni Infantino withdrew a plan that would have allowed private investment in the World Cup. FIFA’s decision followed widespread backlash and objections from major football stakeholders, including UEFA (Union of European Football Associations).
FIFA stated that the current leadership lost confidence not only from UEFA but also from other members of the football governance ecosystem. FIFA also said the private investment proposal created divisions and was no longer in the interest of unity and improvement, so FIFA decided not to proceed with the plan.
Reported fallout around the withdrawal included resignations and opposition from football governance bodies. Carlos Cordeiro, Infantino’s senior adviser, resigned after involvement of a White House panel. Asia’s football body also joined opposition from Europe and North America against the private investment proposal.
FIFA’s chief operating officer Kevin Lamour is reported to have said FIFA staff were misled because of lack of openness in planning, and Lamour said the project must not continue.
Background and earlier position: UEFA’s criticism on transparency and money-governance
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