FIFA president Gianni Infantino has refused to step down despite mounting pressure following the collapse of a controversial plan to sell a private equity stake in the FIFA World Cup. FIFA president Gianni Infantino has refused to resign despite growing calls for his exit after the collapse of a controversial proposal to sell a minority private equity stake in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup. However, the proposal sparked fierce opposition, particularly from European football associations, which accused FIFA of pushing ahead without proper consultation. Despite the criticism, Infantino continues to enjoy strong support from many football associations across Africa, Asia and Oceania, where FIFA's development funding programmes remain highly influential. While the abandoned stake sale has exposed divisions within world football, Infantino's refusal to resign, coupled with the executive board's endorsement, suggests he intends to weather the biggest political crisis of his presidency.