FIFA Backs Down from Selling Stake in World Cup Commercial Rights

In a notable development, a newspaper revealed that FIFA has abandoned its controversial plan to sell a stake in the World Cup's commercial rights to external investors. The newspaper reported that the plan collapsed after a wave of widespread opposition from football officials worldwide, as well as a sharp division among FIFA's top executives.

This retreat comes after weeks of controversy sparked by the plan, which was part of a broader effort to boost FIFA's financial resources. Previous reports had indicated that FIFA President Gianni Infantino had set a deadline for bids related to this plan, which was said to have support from Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump.

The plan surprised both the American and Asian football confederations, as they were not briefed on the details before the announcement, intensifying criticism of FIFA's management. According to the newspaper, increasing pressure from within global football circles, along with internal FIFA disagreements, were decisive factors in scrapping the plan.

In a related context, BBC correspondent Shaimaa Khalil explained in a video report the reasons that led Infantino to retreat from his controversial investment proposal, noting that the widespread opposition was too significant to be ignored.

It is worth noting that these developments come at a time when the global sports sector is undergoing major transformations, as French President Emmanuel Macron and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attended the closing ceremony of the Esports World Cup in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia, which established this event, is investing billions of dollars in an effort to become a global power in gaming and esports.

While FIFA has not issued any official comment on these reports, the international federation appears to be seeking to move past this crisis and focus on preparations for the 2026 World Cup, which will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. However, questions about the future of FIFA's financial management and transparency remain, especially amid growing criticism of Infantino's policies.