The fallout from the abandoned World Cup investment proposal continues to divide the governing body, with major soccer powers questioning the direction of the organization.
Gianni Infantino’s future at FIFA has become increasingly uncertain after England changed its position ahead of the 2027 presidential elections, adding further pressure to a leadership battle that has shaken world soccer. The fallout from the abandoned World Cup investment proposal continues to divide the governing body, with major soccer powers questioning the direction of the organization.
The crisis has grown beyond the original controversy surrounding FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), the proposed company that would have allowed private investors to purchase a stake in future World Cup commercial revenues. While the plan has been withdrawn, the damage to Infantino’s relationships with several important stakeholders appears far from resolved.
FIFA crisis deepens after abandoned World Cup investment plan
Infantino faced intense criticism after his proposal to create a new commercial entity and raise around $4.2 billion through private investment triggered opposition from multiple soccer organizations. The plan would have involved selling approximately 20 percent of FIFA Forward Enterprise, a company designed to oversee commercial rights connected to competitions such as the World Cup and Club World Cup.
The proposal quickly became one of the biggest political challenges of Infantino’s presidency since he took over FIFA in 2016. UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Soccer Confederation all expressed concerns about the lack of consultation, with UEFA describing the initiative as a “shabby, back room, opaque deal.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
Although Infantino eventually abandoned the project, UEFA made it clear that the decision alone was not enough to repair the damage. “First, the proposals to sell off the major competitions had to be withdrawn and secondly, assurances have to be made that such attempts to disfigure the game in this way will never be made again. These conditions have not been met,” UEFA said in a statement.
The European governing body has maintained that it has lost confidence in Infantino’s leadership and has even discussed possible future action, including a potential boycott of FIFA competitions.
England FA reveals positon on Infantino’s re-election bid
The biggest development came when the English Football Association formally withdrew its support for Infantino’s candidacy for another term as FIFA president. The decision means England will no longer back Infantino’s attempt to remain in charge from 2027 to 2031.
The FA’s position followed similar moves from Wales, Serbia, Sweden and Finland, with several national associations distancing themselves from the FIFA president after the failed investment proposal. The English federation reportedly decided that Infantino’s apology and FIFA’s internal response did not change its concerns.
“The FA has sent a letter withdrawing its support for Infantino in reaction to the plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors,” BBC Sport reported.
Julian Alvarez #9 of Argentina celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal.
The decision represents a major setback for Infantino because England remains one of the most influential national associations in world soccer. While the number of federations publicly opposing him remains limited compared with FIFA’s 211 members, the growing criticism from established soccer nations has increased pressure ahead of the election.
UEFA considers next steps as Infantino fights to stay in power
UEFA now faces a difficult challenge in trying to remove Infantino before the 2027 election. A vote of no confidence would require support from a majority of FIFA’s 211 members, meaning European opposition alone would not be enough.
Another possibility would be finding a rival candidate capable of challenging Infantino during the election. CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani has been mentioned as a potential option, although no official challenger has emerged.