FIFA President Gianni Infantino set a September 19 deadline for FIFA’s 211 member federations to decide on accepting one-off $20 million offers. This initiative is part of a project to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The $20 billion FIFA subsidiary, supported by Jared Kushner’s brother, has faced significant criticism from international soccer bodies.
UEFA, European soccer’s governing body, plans an urgent online meeting with its 55 federations to address this issue. “After talking with many stakeholders in the game, UEFA understands there is a significant and growing opposition to FIFA’s plan,” UEFA stated.
This effort aligns Infantino with U.S. President Donald Trump’s circle. Previous actions include creating the FIFA peace prize and allowing Trump to influence the participation of U.S. player Folarin Balogun in the World Cup. Currently, the goal is to secure Joshua Kushner’s investment firm for a 12-year deal with FIFA, a Swiss-based non-profit soccer organization.
Infantino described the project as a “singular and unique funding opportunity” in a letter explaining his aim for a $20 billion subsidiary. This subsidiary, 20% owned by private investors, would manage soccer competitions and events like World Cups and Club World Cups. “As FIFA president, I must present such transformative opportunities to our members,” Infantino wrote.
The plan, announced Tuesday and supported by Thrive Capital, Joshua Kushner’s investment firm, stirred immediate backlash. Infantino’s former colleagues at UEFA stated the World Cup “does not belong to FIFA to sell.” European soccer might consider boycotting FIFA competitions, a tactic used in 2021 to halt Infantino’s previous proposal for biennial World Cups.
FIFA’s private equity plan marks another ambitious project during Infantino’s 11-year presidency, characterized by independent leadership with limited consultation with key soccer stakeholders. In 2018, Infantino pushed for a secretive $25 billion equity plan to create larger men’s competitions. UEFA resisted this attempt. Concerns over the new plan have emerged from Asia and North American soccer bodies like CONCACAF. “We are deeply concerned about the lack of due process,” CONCACAF expressed. The Asian Football Confederation voiced disappointment over how the matter was publicized before discussion.
Continental organizations managing club and national competitions such as the Champions League and Copa America see potential threats. FIFA’s objective to boost revenue for investors by hosting more World Cups and adding teams raises concerns. The European Football Clubs group criticized FIFA’s approach, highlighting the absence of communication.
Private investors could incentivize FIFA to increase commercialization, noted sports governance academic Antoine Duval. Member federations have a choice. If they approve the FIFA Forward Enterprise, they receive $20 million from the 2030 World Cup commercial cycle. If rejected, they will get the previously promised $10 million over four years. Infantino’s proposal promises $86 million over 12 years compared to $36 million for opting out.
UEFA questioned the tight deadline for claiming $20 million, accusing FIFA of enriching itself using the sport. Many federations depend on FIFA funds. These teams often don’t qualify for World Cups, and their top players rarely join elite clubs internationally.
FIFA’s voting system allows influential soccer nations to be outvoted by others with fewer high-level games. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham voiced opposition to FIFA’s plan, supporting a bid to host the 2035 Women’s World Cup across England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. “Football doesn’t belong to investors,” Burnham shared in a video message. “Once sold, the World Cup loses its integrity. Football belongs to the fans.” Opposition from the U.K. previously halted the European Super League project, with legislative threats from then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
Infantino is on course for a fourth and final term through 2031, having unopposed reelections recently. Election day promises of more funding to member federations were key to his election wins. Observers suspect Infantino aims for a long-term leadership role. A CEO position in the FIFA subsidiary would suit these aspirations. Current frustrations with Infantino extend beyond Europe. Candidate entry for the upcoming election closes November 18, with the election set for March 18 in Rabat, Morocco, a close Infantino ally.