Gianni Infantino has scrapped his controversial plan to sell a stake in future World Cup profits to private equity investors after backlash from football’s governing bodies. The proposal, part of the planned FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), would have bundled FIFA’s commercial rights – broadcasting, sponsorship, ticketing and licensing – with the operational delivery of its tournaments. Member associations were given until September 19 to approve, with a £30.1m incentive to back the sale.

UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) criticised the move, and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham called for an urgent review of FIFA’s governance. Infantino said the project had created divisions and would not proceed. He pledged to bring stakeholders together to continue growing football worldwide, especially in countries that need support.

The FFE aimed to strengthen member associations and support football development, but the divisive nature of the proposal has led FIFA to step back and reassess its strategy.