FIFA drops $20 billion commercial spin-off after global soccer backlash

The governing body announced on Friday that it would no longer pursue the creation of a $20 billion private entity from its commercial arm. The decision came after a wave of criticism that threatened to destabilise Infantino’s leadership, with UEFA and CONCACAF publicly withdrawing support. UEFA even warned it might boycott the World Cup if the deal proceeded. The reversal removes a potential boost to member payouts and casts doubt on Infantino’s bid for re-election and his agenda to expand the tournament format.