FIFA President Gianni Infantino has abandoned a controversial proposal to allow private investors to buy stakes in the organisation’s competitions, following strong opposition from football governing bodies.

Infantino said the plan had created divisions within world football and was no longer aligned with its original purpose.

“As a result, this proposal will not proceed,” the FIFA president said.

The proposal would have involved private investment in major FIFA competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups. Infantino had offered FIFA’s 211 member associations a payment of $40 million (£30 million) if they supported the plan.

However, the proposal faced immediate criticism, particularly from UEFA, European football’s governing body.

UEFA responded by threatening to boycott future FIFA World Cups if the investment plan moved forward, while several other football organisations also expressed concerns about the impact of private ownership on the sport.

The backlash created one of the biggest challenges to Infantino’s leadership since becoming FIFA president, with questions raised over FIFA’s governance and decision-making processes.

By withdrawing the proposal, FIFA has avoided a major confrontation with its member organisations, although tensions between FIFA and some regional football bodies remain.

The decision highlights the ongoing debate over how football’s global competitions should be financed and managed while balancing commercial growth with the interests of national associations and fans.