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FIFA Abandons Controversial World Cup Private Investment Plan

Published August 2, 2026 at 6:32 AM UTC

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FIFA has officially shelved a controversial proposal that would have allowed private investors to purchase a stake in the organization's commercial operations. The plan, known as FIFA Forward Enterprise, aimed to create a new company to manage event operations and commercial rights for the World Cup. Under the proposal, FIFA would have sold a 20 percent minority stake to private investors, with an initial valuation of $20 billion. The initiative was intended to increase funding for FIFA's 211 member associations, potentially raising their four-year cycle payments from $8 million to approximately $20 million.