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FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plan to sell minority stakes in the World Cup and other tournaments to private investors has triggered global opposition. UEFA has threatened to boycott FIFA events, while CONCACAF and AFC have also rejected the proposal, leaving FIFA without any public backing.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has expressed solidarity with UEFA and CONCACAF in opposing FIFA's plan to sell World Cup equity to private investors, without threatening a boycott. The AFC voiced deep concerns about the proposed $20 billion commercial entity and called for institutional reform within FIFA.
Carlos Cordeiro, senior adviser to FIFA President Gianni Infantino, resigned with immediate effect on Friday (September 13) to protest a proposal to sell equity in FIFA-run tournaments, calling it a 'bad deal for football.' The plan would create a $20 billion subsidiary to run the World Cup, with up to 20% of shares offered to outside investors.
Spanish Football Federation President Ángel María Villar has thanked his Iranian counterpart Ali Kafashian for congratulations sent after Spain's 2010 World Cup win. Villar expressed gratitude for Iran's support and emphasized sportsmanship and bilateral friendship.
CONCACAF and AFC have sharply criticized FIFA's plan to sell up to 20% of a $20 billion subsidiary overseeing the World Cup, saying they were not consulted. The Asian and North American bodies, along with UEFA, France and England, expressed deep concern over the lack of process and governance.
FIFA announced plans to form a $20 billion subsidiary to manage the World Cup and other tournaments, offering minority stakes to private investors to raise up to $4.2 billion, drawing sharp criticism from UEFA. The proposal requires approval from FIFA's 211 member nations.
Former Italy coach Roberto Mancini is set to return as the national team's manager for a second time, replacing Gennaro Gattuso after Italy missed World Cup qualification for the third straight tournament. The 61-year-old, who led Italy to victory at Euro 2021, was announced by FIGC President Giovanni Malago.
Zinedine Zidane has been appointed head coach of France, replacing Didier Deschamps after the 2026 World Cup. The FFF announced the decision on July 28, two weeks after France finished fourth. Zidane, a World Cup winner with France in 1998, will begin with Nations League matches against Turkey and Italy.
South Korea crashed out of the 2026 World Cup group stage with a shock 1-0 loss to South Africa on June 25, triggering coach Hong Myung-bo's resignation. President Lee Jae-myung demanded an investigation as fans and former stars called for a complete overhaul of the national football setup.
