The world football governing body FIFA has decided to scrap its controversial plan to sell stakes in future World Cup tournaments to the private sector. FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the decision.
The move comes after strong opposition from football fans worldwide and various regional football associations.
FIFA had planned to raise around $4.2 billion by selling 20% stake in a new FIFA group.
UEFA, the European football body, had warned that the plan would damage the very soul and governance system of football. UEFA had even threatened to boycott future World Cups. CONCACAF also rejected the proposal.
Amid the controversy, Infantino’s senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro resigned in protest. FIFA COO Kevin Lamour also opposed the decision.
Infantino said that after hearing everyone’s views, the proposal is being withdrawn to remove the division it had created in the football world.
Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, President of the Asian Football Confederation, welcomed FIFA’s decision and said that the future of football should always be based on discussion and united decisions.
FIFA clarified that protecting the unity and tradition of the game is their main objective.
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