World football's governing body FIFA announced on Friday that it had scrapped a controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, after facing fierce opposition from several continental confederations and threats from Europe to boycott future tournaments.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: "Having listened carefully to all views, it is clear that this project has become so divisive that, whatever the level of support, it no longer serves the original objectives it was meant to achieve."
The decision comes amid strong reactions from member associations, particularly those in Europe. UEFA and European national federations had threatened to boycott the World Cup if the plan went ahead, viewing it as an infringement on the tournament's independence and traditional values.
FIFA has not yet provided further details on next steps following the cancellation, but the move is seen as an effort to ease tensions within the organization and among continental confederations.
