# FIFA chief Infantino faces global revolt over stake sale plan

2026-08-14T07:47:05+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing an unprecedented leadership crisis after abandoning a plan to sell a 20% stake in the World Cup's commercial rights for $4.2 billion. The proposal, which offered $20 million grants to member associations, sparked a global revolt from UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and CONCACAF, who accused Infantino of poor governance and a lack of consultation. New Zealand has withdrawn support for his re-election, calling for an independent review of the aborted deal. However, six Arab federations, including Qatar and Morocco, have publicly backed Infantino. The AFC is itself divided: Qatar has challenged the confederation's authority to speak for all its 47 members in the attack on Infantino.

## Coverage

- deccanherald.com <https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/football/fifa-world-cup-stake-sale-row-timeline-from-gianni-infantinos-u-turn-to-global-revolt-and-resultant-fallout-4110836>
- deccanherald.com <https://www.deccanherald.com/sports/football/new-zealand-withdraws-support-to-infantino-as-oceania-backs-review-bid-4110805>
- sportstar.thehindu.com <https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/infantino-fifa-controversy-latest-news-qatar-challenges-afc-open-letter/article71346691.ece>

Tags: FIFA, Gianni Infantino, leadership crisis, New Zealand, stake sale, World Cup
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Cite: https://indianopinion.org/new-zealand-pulls-support-for-infantino-over-world-cup-stake-sale/#story-in-brief

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