Less than two weeks after the World Cup final on July 19, 2026, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has withdrawn his controversial plan to sell equity stakes in the FIFA World Cup. The proposal faced intense opposition from various football organizations and officials, threatening Infantino's position as FIFA President.

Infantino, often referred to as the “King of Football” by US President Donald Trump, appeared alongside Trump at the World Cup final at MetLife Stadium near New York, where some fans booed the two during the trophy presentation.

The backlash included the resignation of Infantino’s senior adviser over the plan, UEFA members voting to boycott FIFA if the plan proceeded, and criticism from former FIFA boss Sepp Blatter, who emphasized that FIFA belongs to no individual or institution.

In a statement, Infantino acknowledged the divisions caused by the project: “Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place.”

US President Donald Trump stated on Friday, July 31, 2026, that he had not discussed the plan with Infantino. Meanwhile, the South American football confederation CONMEBOL confirmed it had received the proposal and would evaluate it “with the rigour it demands.”

The controversy surrounding the investment plan has significantly unsettled Infantino’s previously secure position as FIFA President.

Sources