Wenger Backs FIFA Decision to Abandon World Cup Stake Sale

FIFA's chief of global football development, Arsene Wenger, has voiced strong support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino's decision to drop plans to sell stakes in a World Cup venture to private investors. Wenger described the decision to step away from the commercial arrangement as "absolutely necessary and beyond question."

The original proposal had involved selling equity in a commercial entity established to manage rights and operations surrounding future World Cup tournaments. The initiative aimed to bring in external private funding to scale commercial revenues across major international competitions.

However, the concept raised significant discussions among global football stakeholders regarding governance, commercial control, and long-term financial strategy. Following internal review, Infantino decided to withdraw the plan and keep full ownership within football's governing body.

Wenger emphasized that maintaining direct oversight of the World Cup's commercial rights is critical for protecting the sport's global governance framework. FIFA will proceed with managing its flagship competition independently without private investment participation.