FIFA president Gianni Infantino has scrapped a controversial proposal to sell stakes in the governing body's major competitions, including the World Cups, citing divisions it had created. The plan had offered all 211 member associations $40m each to back private investment in tournaments, but faced widespread opposition from UEFA, Concacaf, and the AFC.
31 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Football administrator Eric Alagidede has opposed FIFA's proposal to sell stakes in World Cup competitions to private investors through a new commercial subsidiary, arguing that excessive commercialization could make the sport unaffordable for ordinary fans and that funds may not be used as intended.
31 July 2026 · Joy Online →
Football administrator Eric Alagidede has urged the Ghana Football Association to reject FIFA's plans to sell stakes in World Cup competitions to private investors, warning that the proposal could lead to over-commercialisation of football and make it expensive for fans to watch.
31 July 2026 · Joy Online →
The Confederation of African Football will review FIFA's proposal to establish a commercial subsidiary to manage the World Cup and other flagship tournaments, through which FIFA aims to raise $4.2 billion by selling minority stakes valued at $20 billion. If approved, each of FIFA's 211 member associations would receive a one-off payment of $20 million in early 2027 and increased annual development funding from $8 million to $20 million per association, though the plan has faced opposition from UEFA and European officials over commercialisation concerns.
31 July 2026 · Daily Guide →
Europe's 55 football associations have voted to boycott World Cups if FIFA proceeds with selling stakes in its competitions to private investors. UEFA states the World Cup "is not for sale" and cannot be treated as an investment product.
31 July 2026 · Daily Guide →