FIFA president Gianni Infantino has reportedly withdrawn plans to sell the World Cup, conceding that the proposal had caused divisions within football. The change represents a significant reversal for the under-pressure FIFA chief and appears intended to rebuild support and present the tournament as a unifying event.

The supplied article text offers no detail on what sale structure had been proposed, who might have bought rights or assets, or the financial value involved. It characterises the decision as an embarrassing U-turn and says Infantino now hopes to unite the football world after the backlash.