FIFA abandons plans to sell stake in World Cup to private investors
FIFA has abandoned plans to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors. A corresponding message from President Gianni Infantino has been posted on the organization's website.
"After carefully listening to all opinions, we have concluded that the project has caused disagreements of such a nature that — regardless of the level of support — it no longer meets the originally set goal," the message says.
FIFA's goal, Infantino noted, "has always been and will be to unite and improve."
Plans for FIFA to sell a share of commercial rights to the World Cup became known several days ago. It was assumed that about 20% of the rights would go to a group of private investors led by Joshua Kushner — the brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump.
The idea drew sharp criticism from many national football federations. All 55 UEFA members (including Russia, suspended from international competitions) stated that they would boycott the World Cup if the decision to sell the rights was made.
