World football's governing body unveiled the proposal to auction off a share of the World Cup to private investment groups earlier this week. The idea was met with immediate backlash across the sport, with UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC all registering their opposition. Several federations threatened to boycott upcoming FIFA tournaments in protest.
Infantino also faced resistance from within his own organisation. His close advisor Carlos Cordeiro resigned from his post, while FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour spoke out against the plan.
Infantino cites 'division' in scrapping plan
In a statement issued in the early hours of Saturday morning, Infantino said: "The FIFA Forward Enterprise project was intended to provide a basis for further strengthening our FIFA Member Associations and our sport worldwide, especially in those countries where support is most needed. And more so, as we said from the outset, to do this only if a majority of the FIFA Member Associations were in support and always subject to a consultation process with them, the FIFA Council, the Confederations and wider stakeholders. Having listened carefully to all the views, it has become clear that the project has created divisions of a nature that, regardless of the level of support, are no longer in the interest of the objective set out in the first place. Our purpose has always been - and will always be - to unite and improve. As a result, this proposal will not proceed. Moving forward, my intent is to bring all interested parties back together in the coming days and weeks in the spirit of shared interest in our game, and with the objective to continue growing football everywhere, particularly in those countries that mostly need our support."
AFC president welcomes U-turn
Asian Football Confederation (AFC) President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa praised the decision to abandon the plan, saying: "The future of global football must always be shaped through proper consultation, collective dialogue and respect for the established governance structures of our game. The AFC stands ready to support any initiative that strengthens the unity of the football family, contributes to the continued growth of the game globally and delivers meaningful benefits to all stakeholders."
He added: "I am proud that all our MAs stood together and entrusted the AFC to seek answers on their behalf regarding an issue of immense importance to the future governance of world football. I thank them for their patience, solidarity and unity, and assure them that AFC will always act in their best interests."
