Gianni Infantino finally blinks: World Cup sell-off plan dies – Martyn Ziegler deserves immense credit

Last Updated on 1 August 2026

Football just won a rare battle against its own governing body. Gianni Infantino has officially scrapped his plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors.

Facing a European boycott threat and revolt from within FIFA itself, he had no choice but to retreat from the plan.

However, none of this happens without Martyn Ziegler’s relentless reporting exposing the scheme first.

FIFA and Infantino backing off is a win for the sport

Infantino’s proposal would’ve handed private investors up to 21% of a new $20billion entity. That structure, called FIFA Forward Enterprise, threatened to reshape football’s governance permanently. Consequently, backlash arrived instantly and grew louder daily.

UEFA voted unanimously against the plan, all 55 members rejecting it outright. CONCACAF and the AFC followed with statements expressing serious concerns too. Meanwhile, nearly 100 countries reportedly opposed the proposal before Infantino finally backed down.

Crucially, senior FIFA figures also turned against their own president, via The Times. Carlos Cordeiro resigned as presidential adviser, refusing to stay silent any longer. That internal revolt, alongside external pressure, made Infantino’s position genuinely untenable.

Now, Infantino is facing pressure at his job. UEFA have demanded his resignation. All this shows football’s stakeholders can still push back against reckless leadership successfully.

Why Martyn Ziegler is nothing short of a hero for the world of football

None of this unravels without proper journalism first. Martyn Ziegler broke the initial story exclusively, revealing Infantino’s personal financial stake in the scheme. His reporting suggested Infantino could personally earn tens of millions through the deal.

Furthermore, he exposed direct discussions with figures connected to Trump’s administration. Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, emerged as the proposed lead investor through his firm. That connection alone raised immediate red flags across football’s governing bodies.

Without Ziegler, this plan might have progressed much further before scrutiny arrived. Instead, his timely journalism gave opponents crucial ammunition early. Consequently, UEFA and other confederations mobilised quickly, armed with facts rather than rumours.

Ultimately, this saga proves investigative journalism still matters enormously in football. Ziegler didn’t just report a story; he saved the World Cup from corporate capture. Infantino, meanwhile, must now reflect seriously on whether his leadership serves football’s interests.