Football: Fifa ‘reaffirm full support’ for Gianni Infantino, apologise for World Cup privatisation plan

It said that, if approved, the project could provide each of Fifa’s 211 member associations with a one-off payment of US$20 million in early 2027, and increase their funding allocation for the 2027-2030 cycle from US$8m to US$20m.

Instead of acting as a sweetener it produced a furious backlash, with European football’s governing body, Uefa, resorting on Thursday to the nuclear option of boycotting the sport’s jewel in the crown, the World Cup.

By Saturday, Infantino held his hands up and withdrew the plan.

“Our purpose has always been – and will always be – to unite and improve,” said Infantino.

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