FIFA scraps controversial deal to sell stakes in World Cup to private investors

FIFA abandoned a plan to create a commercial venture and then sell stakes to minority investors, just days after unveiling it. The plan drew sharp condemnation — and a boycott from European nations.

<img src='https://npr.brightspotcdn.com/dims3/default/strip/false/crop/5000x3333+0+0/resize/5000x3333!/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fnpr-brightspot.s3.amazonaws.com%2Fea%2F01%2F31ed8c064234b8adf66fdd171280%2Fgettyimages-2247042721-1.jpg' alt='FIFA President Gianni Infantino poses with the World Cup trophy following the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Play-Off draw at the FIFA's Home of Football in Zurich on Nov. 20, 2025.'/><p>FIFA abandoned a plan to create a commercial venture and then sell stakes to minority investors, just days after unveiling it. The plan drew sharp condemnation — and a boycott from European nations.</p><p>(Image credit: Fabrice Coffrini)</p><img src='https://media.npr.org/include/images/tracking/npr-rss-pixel.png?story=nx-s1-5915820' />