UEFA Withdraws Support for Infantino Following Collapse of World Cup Private Equity Proposal

European soccer’s governing body has announced a loss of confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino following the abandonment of his controversial proposal to bring private equity into World Cup operations. UEFA stated that a comprehensive review of the initiative will proceed and that all potential consequences remain under consideration for those involved in the scheme.

Infantino scrapped the initiative early Saturday after mounting international opposition and the resignation of his senior adviser, Carlos Cordeiro, who had represented FIFA on a White House panel. The Asian Football Confederation joined UEFA and CONCACAF in opposing the plan, which had faced escalating criticism since its announcement on Tuesday.

The proposal sought to establish a $20 billion entity to manage World Cup operations with a 20 percent stake held by private investors. The plan drew fire across the soccer world, prompting UEFA’s 55 member nations to threaten a World Cup boycott by Thursday.

UEFA, led by President Aleksander Čeferin, issued a statement condemning what it called “secret schemes on fast-track timescales, cooked up by faceless individuals.” The organization pledged to work with member associations and other continental confederations to ensure such initiatives cannot be pursued again without broader consultation.

Cordeiro, a former Goldman Sachs banker, announced his departure Friday and publicly objected to FIFA’s consideration of selling stakes in the tournament. FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour subsequently stated that staff had been misled by Infantino’s lack of transparency throughout the planning process.

The anchor investor backing the plan was identified as a New York-based firm founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump.