Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Infantino Attends U-20 Women's World Cup Opener Amid Sell-Off Fallout
Gianni Infantino is the president of FIFA, soccer's world governing organization.
He went to the first game of an under-20 women's soccer tournament in Poland.
The game was played in Katowice on Saturday.
Poland played Argentina, and Mexico played Benin.
About 15,000 people were expected to attend the first two games.
FIFA had recently stopped a plan to sell part of the business rights for its tournaments.
That plan was valued at $20 billion and upset UEFA and other football groups.
Infantino did not say whether he regretted the plan, saying it was not the right place or time to discuss it.
The tournament helps young players develop and pursue future senior World Cup opportunities.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino attended the Under-20 Women's World Cup opening match in Katowice on Saturday.
The appearance followed FIFA's abandonment of a proposed $20 billion sale of stakes in World Cup commercial rights.
The proposal faced fierce opposition, boycott threats, and criticism from UEFA and other football stakeholders.
About 15,000 people were expected to attend the first two opening-day matches.
Poland played Argentina and Mexico faced Benin in Katowice.
- Who
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino, the participating under-20 women's teams, UEFA, and other football stakeholders.
- What
- Infantino attended the opening match of the Under-20 Women's World Cup while declining to discuss whether he regretted FIFA's abandoned commercial-rights proposal.
- When
- Saturday, the tournament's opening day; the proposal was abandoned in late July.
- Where
- Katowice, Poland.
- Why
- The tournament provides opportunities for developing women's football talent; Infantino's appearance came after the controversial proposal was abandoned.
FIFA and Infantino
UEFA and Other Critics
Commercial-rights proposal
FIFA and Infantino
FIFA proposed selling a stake in commercial rights for the World Cup and other FIFA tournaments, with the plan valued at $20 billion, but later abandoned it.
UEFA and Other Critics
UEFA and other major football stakeholders strongly opposed the proposal, with opposition including boycott threats.
Reason for opposition
FIFA and Infantino
FIFA accused UEFA of conducting a smear campaign and said its opposition was motivated by a desire to preserve European football's dominance.
UEFA and Other Critics
UEFA and other regional governing bodies opposed the sell-off, though the articles do not provide a direct UEFA response to FIFA's accusation.
- Event
- Under-20 Women's World Cup
- Location
- Katowice, Poland
- Expected attendance
- About 15,000 people for the first two matches
- Opening fixtures
- Poland versus Argentina; Mexico versus Benin
- Abandoned proposal
- A proposed sale of stakes in commercial rights for the World Cup and other FIFA tournaments
- Proposal valuation
- $20 billion
- Infantino's response
- He said questions about the proposal would be addressed at the right place and time, but not at the tournament opening.
