FIFA president faces opposition over private investment plan for World Cup

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has faced growing opposition to his plan to bring private investors into World Cup commercial operations.

Infantino wants to sell a share of FIFA's money-making activities to outside investors. But at least three of FIFA's six continental bodies have spoken out against the idea. The Asian Football Confederation, which previously supported Infantino, said the plan was "conceived in secret" and called it irresponsible. Carlos Cordeiro, a former US Soccer president and close adviser to Infantino, also criticised the proposal. He questioned why FIFA needed outside money when it already has large financial reserves.

FIFA said media reports had disrupted its consultation process and that it will continue asking members for their views. A presidential election is scheduled for March 2025 in Rabat, Morocco.