World
FIFA abandons plan to open its competitions to private investors
FIFA officially abandoned plans on August 1, 2026, to create a commercial subsidiary and sell a 20% stake to private investors. FIFA Forward Enterprise would have managed commercial activities and events, including the World Cup. UEFA welcomed the withdrawal but called for a comprehensive investigation, identification of those responsible and accountability. All 55 UEFA member associations and Concacaf’s 41 members had rejected the proposal. UEFA also plans to work with other confederations on a new method for distributing resources through the existing FIFA Forward program.