FIFA, under the leadership of Gianni Infantino, has recently scrapped plans to sell off stakes in its major competitions after a backlash that one could only describe as righteous outrage. But let’s pull back the curtain on this whole charade. The mainstream media—like CNN and The New York Times—are spinning this as a “victory for transparency and football fans,” but is that really the case? Or is it a desperate ploy to maintain FIFA’s crumbling credibility?

It’s laughable how outlets like BBC tried to frame this reversal as a nod to grassroots concerns. This is the same organization that has turned a blind eye to the numerous scandals surrounding FIFA’s operations! They play into the narrative that Infantino is somehow a benevolent leader. Give me a break! The truth is, the football world didn’t want some corporate hedge fund cashing in on the beautiful game because it’s already commercialized to the hilt.

This fiasco reveals a deeper issue: the tension between commercialization and the integrity of sport, but you won’t find that nuanced conversation on ESPN or Fox Sports. They prefer to regurgitate fluff pieces that pander to corporate interests. It’s no wonder that real concerns are drowned out by a flood of PR spin.

Infantino might’ve backed down this time, but mark my words: the threat of corporate greed in football isn’t going anywhere. Until the media starts holding these organizations accountable instead of propping them up, fans will continue to be left in the dark.