Zurich [Switzerland], August 22 (ANI): FIFA president Gianni Infantino explored plans with private investors to form a 211-nation under-15 FIFA World Cup inspired by baseball's Little League, with the opening fixture between Israel and Palestine, before the idea was shelved ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, reported Goal.com.

The FIFA president had held talks with private investors to bring the tournament to life, with opening and closing ceremonies taking place at a Disney theme park. Despite the extensive planning and talks, the project was shelved before the 2026 FIFA WC, as per a report from The Athletic quoted by Goal.com.

A full-fledged proposal for the tournament was drawn up by ex-Mexican Football Federation commissioner Juan Carlos Rodriguez, backed by private US capital. The venture also attracted support from Eldridge Industries, which happens to be chaired by Chelsea FC co-owner Todd Boehly.

The organisers even held talks with ESPN about the venues that could be used, exploring the possibility of using their ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida, which sits within the Walt Disney World resort.

Infantino also wanted the tournament to have the opening match between Israel and Palestine, as a symbol of unity. But the idea was omitted from the final draft following fraught relations at the Vancouver FIFA Congress, where the delegates of both federations refused to even shake hands with each other.

Shelving the U15 tournament keeps FIFA away from criticism over a congested international fixture calendar and commercialisation of youth football.

While the Disney-backed project stands abandoned, Infantino's broader focus remains fixed on expanding global competitions and securing lucrative broadcast rights across North America. (ANI)