FIFA withdrew the controversial plan, UEFA celebrated: 'This is a victory for the whole of football'

FIFA has withdrawn its controversial proposal to sell a stake in World Cup hosting rights, a decision welcomed by the European Football Association (UEFA). The move comes after intense pressure from UEFA members and other stakeholders who opposed the plan, which was announced just hours before its withdrawal. UEFA praised the decision as a victory for football, expressing disappointment with FIFA’s leadership and calling for accountability over the rapid and secretive nature of the proposal. The controversy surrounding the plan emerged shortly after FIFA President Gianni Infantino unveiled it during a press conference. The proposal aimed to allow private entities to hold a share in organizing major tournaments such as the World Cup. However, the idea sparked immediate backlash from within FIFA and beyond. UEFA, representing 55 member associations, had previously rejected the proposal in a unanimous vote earlier in the week. The organization criticized the lack of transparency and the speed with which the plan was introduced, arguing that such decisions should involve broader consultation rather than being pushed through behind closed doors. In a statement released on Saturday, UEFA expressed relief that FIFA had decided to withdraw the proposal. “UEFA welcomes FIFA’s decision to withdraw the plan for selling a stake in its competitions, including the World Cup, to private hands,” the statement read. It emphasized that the organization would work closely with its unions and other confederations to analyze how the situation arose and develop strategies to prevent similar occurrences in the future. The statement also noted that the leadership of FIFA had lost not only the trust of UEFA but also that of many other members of the football family. UEFA further thanked fans, leagues, clubs, players, individuals, unions, and confederations who had opposed the plan, as well as numerous prime ministers, heads of state, and commentators who publicly showed their disapproval of Infantino’s leadership. “We cannot continue in this manner, with secret moves carried out at an unprecedented pace, orchestrated by faceless individuals whose interest in sports is questionable. We must identify those responsible and call them to account,” the statement concluded. The sharp criticism follows the announcement of upcoming elections for FIFA president, scheduled for March 2027. At present, Infantino is the only candidate who has declared his intention to seek re-election. His swift introduction of the stake-selling plan, just hours before its withdrawal, has raised questions about the direction of FIFA’s governance and the influence of individual leaders in shaping key policy decisions. The withdrawal of the proposal marks a turning point in the ongoing debate over the structure and management of international football. While the immediate crisis appears to have been resolved, the underlying tensions remain. UEFA’s call for greater transparency and accountability signals a shift in the balance of power within FIFA, potentially influencing future decision-making processes. As the football world watches, the focus will now turn to whether these changes lead to more democratic practices or simply delay the inevitable.