FIFA abandons proposal to sell World Cup investment stake

FIFA confirmed on Friday that it will not proceed with a controversial scheme that would have permitted private investors to purchase a portion of the World Cup. The idea, introduced under the FIFA Forward Enterprise project, was intended to strengthen member associations and support football development in under-served nations, but only if a majority of members approved it. After extensive consultation, the organization said the plan generated significant disagreement among members, the FIFA Council, confederations and other interested parties.

Consequently, the governing body decided the project no longer served its original purpose. The decision follows sustained pushback from various football stakeholders.