FIFA Infantino backlash — FIFA has publicly denounced what it calls a “coordinated and continuous effort” to undermine both the organization and its president, Gianni Infantino, following a wave of criticism over a now-abandoned plan to sell commercial rights for the World Cup. The statement was issued on August 8, 2026, as Infantino faces mounting calls for his resignation and allegations published by a British newspaper regarding his past conduct while working at UEFA, the governing body for European football.

Infantino’s proposal involved creating a new subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to sell a minority stake in World Cup commercial rights to private investors for around $20 billion. The investment would have been managed through the Thrive Eternal fund, controlled by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner. The plan sparked immediate backlash from within FIFA and the broader football community, leading Infantino to withdraw the proposal.

UEFA responded forcefully, announcing a boycott of all FIFA-organized competitions until the plan is permanently shelved. Public opinion also turned sharply against the initiative, intensifying the pressure on Infantino to step down. In a statement, FIFA criticized recent media reports as containing unsubstantiated and demonstrably false claims about the organization and its president.

During the 2026 World Cup, held in the United States, Mexico, and Canada, Infantino was seen maintaining close ties with the American president. Prior to the tournament, he introduced the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize, awarding it to the U.S. leader, who had previously argued that he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize.

The controversy surrounding Infantino’s investment plan and the subsequent fallout highlight deep divisions within international football governance, with UEFA’s boycott marking a significant escalation in the dispute between the two major football organizations.