Fifa President Gianni Infantino's plan to open the World Cup to private investment, intended to raise approximately $4.2bn, collapsed within days. The proposal faced furious opposition from Uefa, the Asian Football Confederation, and Concacaf, alongside a growing revolt from national associations and clubs.
The failed plan also led to the termination of Fifa's chief operating officer, Kevin Lamour, who publicly attacked the proposal. Senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro also resigned over the matter.
Matt Readman, chief strategy officer at sports creative agency Dark Horses, argues that Infantino's actions have inadvertently highlighted the power of the Fifa presidency to fans. Readman suggests that this increased awareness could lead to calls for a rethinking of how the Fifa president is elected, potentially by giving fans a vote.