FIFA Abandons Plan to Sell World Cup Commercial Stakes After Confederation Backlash

FIFA President Gianni Infantino scrapped a proposal to sell up to 20% minority stakes in a new $20 billion subsidiary running the World Cup's commercial rights. The reversal came August 1, 2026, days after the plan went public and drew immediate condemnation from regional confederations, including UEFA, which convened an emergency meeting over its lack of consultation.