Story perspectives

Infantino Halts $20B FIFA Forward Stake Sale

8/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

Infantino withdrew the plan to sell a 20 percent stake in FIFA Forward Enterprise, a commercial subsidiary valued at $20 billion.
Senior FIFA executives met in Rabat on August 5 2026, reaffirmed full support for Infantino, and sent apology letters to the Council and all 211 member associations.
UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation, which had threatened boycotts, were told FIFA would not tolerate attacks on its integrity and would protect its reputation.

History

Historical Context

In May 2015 the U.S. Department of Justice indicted 14 FIFA officials and Swiss police arrested seven at a Zurich hotel before the 65th FIFA Congress. The scandal forced President Sepp Blatter to resign in June 2015 and prompted Ethics Committee reforms, including revenue targets for the new commercial arm; Infantino’s 2026 cancellation of a 20 % sale of the $20 billion subsidiary reflects that legacy.

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Story summary

Infantino withdrew the plan to sell a 20 percent stake in FIFA Forward Enterprise, a commercial subsidiary valued at $20 billion.
Senior FIFA executives met in Rabat on August 5 2026, reaffirmed full support for Infantino, and sent apology letters to the Council and all 211 member associations.
UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation, which had threatened boycotts, were told FIFA would not tolerate attacks on its integrity and would protect its reputation.

1 / 2