FIFA President Gianni Infantino is under increasing pressure after he abandoned a contentious plan to allow private investment in the World Cup. The proposal aimed to create a new commercial company to manage FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup, but was scrapped following fierce opposition from UEFA, which reportedly threatened to boycott FIFA competitions.

The fallout from the failed plan is jeopardizing Infantino's bid for another term as FIFA president. Several national football associations have withdrawn their support, and Jordan's football chief has accused FIFA of pressuring federations to back Infantino.

Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger called the decision to scrap the proposal "absolutely necessary," while FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström described the episode as a "sad and reproachable series of events."

Infantino was last seen publicly prior to the World Cup semifinal match between France and Spain in Arlington, Texas, near Dallas, on Tuesday, July 14, 2026.

Sources