FIFA has abandoned its proposal to allow private investors to purchase stakes in major competitions, including World Cups, following fierce opposition from confederations like UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC, which cited concerns over governance and the commercialization of the sport.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is under increasing pressure as global football bodies UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC, along with a senior advisor, oppose his controversial plans to sell a stake in a new commercial subsidiary to private equity investors, prompting boycott threats.
UEFA and Concacaf members unanimously voted to boycott future World Cups if FIFA sells stakes in its competitions to private investors. FIFA denied "selling football" and plans a consultation, but appeared to back off from establishing a public equity group without member agreement.
Uefa and Andy Burnham have condemned Fifa’s plan to invite private investment into a new commercial subsidiary. Fifa says the move would expand football development funding, but critics fear it could commercialise the World Cup further.
Micron announced a $3 billion investment, including $500 million for GlobalWafers' Texas expansion, and will increase its total U.S. investment to $250 billion by 2035 to boost the semiconductor supply chain amid soaring AI demand.
South Korean newspapers report major investment plans by Samsung and SK, totaling around 4,755 trillion won, for domestic semiconductor and AI industries, including four new chip plants in the southwest region.
Market volatility driven by geopolitical conflict often triggers investor panic. Financial experts argue that Systematic Investment Plans (SIPs) are specifically designed to leverage these downturns through consistent accumulation, advising investors to maintain discipline over market timing.
Oil and gas prices surge as reports indicate the US may extend its blockade of Iranian ports for months. Brent crude rose 5% to almost $117 a barrel, approaching the highest level since the Iran war began. UK gas prices also increased 5%, while the FTSE 100 fell 1.2% to its lowest level since April 1. President Trump met with energy company executives to discuss measures to calm oil markets amid the prolonged blockade.
