FIFA drops plans to sell World Cup stakes to private investors

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has officially abandoned controversial plans to sell a 20 percent stake in World Cup commercial rights to external investors, following widespread backlash from regional football governing bodies and internal critics.

The proposed initiative aimed to secure direct private equity investment for international tournaments. However, facing growing opposition, Infantino confirmed in a statement that the project would not proceed. He noted that "after carefully listening to all views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions" that no longer aligned with FIFA's objectives.

The decision brings an end to efforts to introduce private capital into the governing body's flagship competitions.

Sources: Der Spiegel, NRK, ORF, Tagesschau.