Infantino Backtracks on Controversial FIFA Plan

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced he is abandoning the plan to sell a portion of the World Cup's commercial rights to external investors. He emphasized that the project had generated disagreements that contradicted its initial objectives.

In an official statement, Infantino clarified the reasons behind his decision.

"The 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' (FFE) project aimed to lay the groundwork for further strengthening our member associations and our sport globally, especially in countries where support is most needed."

"Furthermore, as we stated from the outset, this could only be achieved with the support of the majority of FIFA's member associations and always after consultation with them, with the FIFA Council, the confederations, and a wider range of stakeholders," the statement read.

Infantino acknowledged that after carefully listening to all opinions, it became clear that the initiative had caused significant divisions.

"It became clear that the project created disagreements of such a nature that, regardless of the level of support, it no longer served the interests of the initially stated goal. Our objective has always been, and will continue to be, to unite and improve. For this reason, the proposal will not be implemented."

The FIFA President concluded with a promise for future actions aimed at developing football.

"In the coming days and weeks, I intend to bring together all stakeholders in a spirit of common interest for our football and with the aim of continuing its development everywhere, especially in the countries most in need of our support."

The decision comes amidst reports of an ultimatum from UEFA, which had threatened to boycott the World Cup if the rights were sold to American investors.