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FIFA president Infantino faces revolt after World Cup privatization plan fails

FIFA President Gianni Infantino's attempt to privatize World Cup rights has collapsed, triggering threats of non-cooperation from European football bodies and calls for his resignation.

Updated last month4 new reports, including ABC News (AU), Al Jazeera, South China Morning Post.

·2 min read·13 outlets

The short version

FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plan to create a commercial subsidiary for World Cup rights has failed, leading to a leadership crisis. Multiple European football federations have withdrawn support for his re-election amid the controversy.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino proposed a plan to privatize World Cup rights through a commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise.3,2,6 The plan was abandoned after widespread opposition from football bodies and stakeholders.4,5,6,10 UEFA officials have threatened 'non-co-operation' with FIFA unless Infantino steps down, according to senior sources.4

The Football Association of Wales announced it would no longer support Infantino's re-election bid for the 2027-2031 term.5 UEFA has raised the possibility of taking legal action against Infantino over the failed privatization plan, sources told ESPN.9 Arsène Wenger, FIFA's chief of global football development, stated the privatization plan was 'absolutely necessary' to withdraw.10

FIFA's deputy secretary general Mattias Grafström distanced himself from Infantino in an internal email, citing a 'series of sad and reprehensible events' linked to the plan.11 The Football Associations of England, Finland, Serbia, and Sweden have withdrawn support for Infantino's re-election, according to reports.12,14 The Jordan Football Association accused FIFA of 'blackmail' in a social media statement, alleging the organization withheld prize money over an endorsement of Infantino.13

Former FIFA vice-president Prince Ali bin Al Hussein claimed FIFA withheld prize money from Jordan due to its stance on Infantino.16 Infantino sought support from U.S. President Donald Trump following the backlash to the privatization plan, according to a report citing anonymous sources.7 The U.S. State Department denied a report suggesting FIFA President Gianni Infantino was set to speak with Secretary of State Marco Rubio amid the crisis.8

“The privatisation plan was 'absolutely necessary' to withdraw.”
Arsène Wenger, FIFA chief of global football development10
“We regret a 'series of sad and reprehensible events' in connection with the aborted project.”
Mattias Grafström, FIFA deputy secretary general11

Where outlets disagree

  • A report claimed Infantino sought support from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but the State Department denied the accuracy of the report.7,8

Why it matters

  • FIFA Forward Enterprise was the proposed commercial subsidiary intended to privatize World Cup rights, aiming to generate $20 billion in investment.1,3,2

  • FIFA's next presidential election is scheduled for March 2027, where Infantino would seek re-election for a third term.6,10,15

  • UEFA is the governing body of European football and one of FIFA's most influential member associations.4,9,12

This account was written from the 16 reports listed below, filed by 13 independent outlets, and checked against them line by line. It is not a copy of any one of them. Spotted an error? Tell us.

Well corroborated13 outlets
Left4Center9Right0

16 reports from 13 outlets. The numbers in the article point here.

Left-leaning5
Center11

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