Full Breakdown
FIFA President Proposes Private-Investor Stake Sale in World Cup Operations
7/29/2026, 10:55:29 AM
Infantino’s Proposal to Commercialise the World Cup
Gianni Infantino, FIFA’s president, has announced a plan to create a new private company that would control FIFA’s commercial and events operations, including the World Cup and the Club World Cup. The entity, to be run by Infantino after his final presidential term ends in 2031, would be financed by an investor group led by Joshua Kushner’s Thrive Capital, the venture firm of the younger brother of former U.S. president-son-in-law Jared Kushner. The report notes that the arrangement could personally earn Infantino “tens of millions of pounds.”
Background and Earlier Investment Attempts
The proposal follows a previous 2018 effort in which Infantino reached a deal-in-principle with Japan’s SoftBank for a $25 billion investment to expand the Club World Cup and the Nations League. That deal collapsed after opposition from UEFA. The current plan is presented as part of “FIFA Forward Enterprise” (Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE)), which FIFA says will increase funding for its 211 member associations by granting each a stake valued at roughly $20 million (£15 million). Associations may retain or sell the share to finance projects.
Reactions from Football Bodies and Politicians
UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin also missed the recent World Cup final in protest of Infantino’s handling of the tournament. The Football Supporters’ Association described the move as “a new low,” echoing fan discontent after the tournament. In Washington, Democratic Congressman Jamie Raskin accused Infantino of seeking “special favours” from former President Donald Trump and of contributing to “exorbitant World Cup ticket prices.”
Financial and Governance Implications
According to the report, the investor-led company would assume operational delivery of FIFA tournaments, while national associations and the FIFA Council would retain final decision-making authority. The proposal requires approval from a majority of the 211 member associations before it can be enacted.
Prospective Approval Process
FIFA officials indicate that the plan’s success hinges on securing backing from the member associations. No specific timeline for a vote has been disclosed, and the discussion of a potential European boycott remains ongoing.
