FIFA have officially abandoned their plan to sell stakes in the FIFA World Cup to private companies. Softfootball gathered that several private investors were initially rumoured to be interested in the proposal.
However, the project has now collapsed, as major companies including JP Morgan and other private investors have pulled out, leaving FIFA with no viable path to continue the initiative.
Softfootball wishes to clear up a misunderstanding surrounding the proposal. FIFA did not plan to sell a majority stake in the World Cup. Instead, on Tuesday, 28 July 2026, FIFA announced plans to sell a 21% minority, non‑controlling stake in its commercial operations.
Under president Gianni Infantino, the plan aimed to create a new $20 billion subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would oversee:
- Broadcasting
- Ticketing
- Licensing
- Sponsorship
FIFA intended to retain 79% majority control, ensuring full authority over World Cup commercial decisions.
