UEFA criticizes Infantino after FIFA drops World Cup stake sale plan

UEFA said it has lost confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino after FIFA abandoned a plan to sell part of the commercial rights tied to the World Cup. The proposal had aimed to raise up to $4.2 billion by selling about a 20% stake in a new unit that would manage FIFA events, including the World Cup. It faced strong resistance from regional confederations, which said they were not properly consulted. UEFA called the reversal a win for the sport but said trust in FIFA still needs to be rebuilt. The group also said the episode highlighted concerns about transparency and governance inside world football. Infantino, who has said he plans to seek another term, now faces renewed scrutiny over his leadership and reelection prospects.