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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 1, 2026United States

UEFA Withdraws Support for FIFA President Following Failed World Cup Investment Plan

UEFA has formally declared a loss of confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino after he abandoned a controversial $20 billion plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private equity investors. The proposal faced widespread opposition from global soccer confederations and led to the resignation of a senior FIFA adviser.

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Why It Matters

The collapse of this $20 billion investment plan halts a major restructuring of how the World Cup is financed and managed, impacting the future commercial control of global soccer tournaments.

Key Facts

  • FIFA officially withdrew its plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private equity investors.
  • The proposed plan involved creating a $20 billion subsidiary to manage commercial businesses, including the World Cup and Club World Cups.
  • The plan included selling a 20% stake to private investors, with a New York-based firm founded by Joshua Kushner identified as the anchor investor.
  • UEFA has formally declared a loss of confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
  • UEFA is initiating a review to identify those responsible for the plan and to prevent similar future occurrences.
  • FIFA senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned on Friday in protest of the plan.
  • FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour stated that FIFA staff were deceived by a lack of openness regarding the planning of the sale.
  • UEFA's 55-member nations had previously agreed to boycott the World Cup and other FIFA competitions over the proposal.
  • The Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF (North America) also publicly opposed the plan.

Who's Mentioned

personAleksander Čeferin“Head of UEFA.”organizationUEFA“European soccer governing body that withdrew support for Infantino.”personGianni Infantino“FIFA President who proposed the private equity plan.”organizationFIFA“Global governing body for soccer.”other55“Number of UEFA member nations.”personJoshua Kushner“New York-based investor linked to the proposed deal.”personKevin Lamour“FIFA Chief Operating Officer.”personCarlos Cordeiro“Former senior adviser to FIFA who resigned.”