FIFA’s July 2026 proposal to sell a 20-21% minority stake in a new commercial subsidiary handling World Cup rights and other events, valued at around $20 billion, triggered immediate backlash from UEFA, CONCACAF, and other confederations over governance concerns and investor ties. The plan was scrapped within days after threats of boycotts and leadership challenges, with President Gianni Infantino issuing an apology. As of mid-October, FIFA has shifted to distributing billions in surplus reserves from the successful 48-team tournament to member associations without any equity involvement. Trader consensus at 98.9% against a sale reflects this decisive reversal, though renewed council or congress discussions ahead of the 2027 election could theoretically reopen the issue under different terms.