Gianni Infantino refuses to resign despite FIFA World Cup stake sale fiasco

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has refused to resign despite growing calls for his exit after the collapse of a controversial proposal to sell a minority private equity stake in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup.

The crisis erupted after FIFA abandoned plans to create a new commercial entity that would have managed the rights to the World Cup and other major tournaments. The governing body had intended to sell a 20 per cent stake in the venture to private investors, a move expected to raise billions of dollars for football development.

However, the proposal sparked fierce opposition, particularly from European football associations, which accused FIFA of pushing ahead without proper consultation.

Amid the backlash, Infantino issued a formal apology to FIFA's 211 member associations, acknowledging shortcomings in the consultation process. However, he made it clear that he would not step down over the controversy.

At an emergency leadership meeting in Rabat, Morocco, FIFA's management board unanimously reaffirmed its 'full support' for Infantino, stating that he remains the only president elected democratically by all member associations. The board also backed his continued leadership as the organisation works to restore confidence following the failed commercialisation plan.

Pressure on Infantino has intensified in recent days. UEFA and several European federations have criticised FIFA's governance, while former Portugal star Luis Figo publicly called for the FIFA president's resignation.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney also questioned Infantino's leadership, saying he had 'no confidence' in the way the proposal was handled.

Despite the criticism, Infantino continues to enjoy strong support from many football associations across Africa, Asia and Oceania, where FIFA's development funding programmes remain highly influential.

That backing is expected to strengthen his position ahead of the FIFA presidential election scheduled for March 2027, in which he is widely expected to seek another term.

While the abandoned stake sale has exposed divisions within world football, Infantino's refusal to resign, coupled with the executive board's endorsement, suggests he intends to weather the biggest political crisis of his presidency.