Full Breakdown
Senior FIFA Officials Resign Over Infantino’s Proposed World Cup Stake Sale
7/31/2026, 9:28:11 PM
Resignations Spark Internal Revolt
Two senior FIFA figures have publicly broken with President Gianni Infantino’s plan to spin off the organization’s commercial assets into a $20 billion subsidiary. Former U.S. Soccer Federation president and ex-Goldman Sachs banker Carlos Cordeiro resigned as a presidential adviser, while FIFA chief operating officer Kevin Lamour issued a statement that staff had been “deceived” by the lack of openness surrounding the proposal. Both warned that the project should not proceed.
Infantino’s Commercial Spin-Off Plan
Infantino has outlined a scheme to create a new subsidiary that would house FIFA’s World Cup and Club World Cup rights for men’s and women’s competitions. Private investors would acquire a 20 % stake, with the “anchor investor” identified as a New York-based firm founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of former White House adviser Jared Kushner.
Official Statements & Responses
He added that FIFA’s recent $15 billion revenue from men’s World Cups and its debt-free reserves make the sale unnecessary. Lamour, in an internal memo, said staff were “deceived” by Infantino’s lack of transparency and called the initiative “the project of one person.” He warned that continuing the plan would betray the organization’s members and pledged to accept any personal consequences.
Data & Statistics
- FIFA’s commercial revenue: $15 billion over the last four years (men’s World Cups).
- Proposed subsidiary valuation: $20 billion.
- Private-investor ownership target: 20 % stake.
- Expected capital raise: $4.2 billion.
What’s Next
FIFA has set a Nov. 18 deadline for any challengers to the presidency to come forward, a timeline that could shape the organization’s governance amid the controversy.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I cannot stand by while FIFA considers selling a stake in the World Cup,” — Carlos Cordeiro, a former Goldman Sachs banker
- “It is the project of one person,” — Kevin Lamour, a long-time colleague of Infantino at both FIFA and UEFA
- “FIFA already has access to extraordinary financial resources. The organization sits on billions of dollars in reserves and no debt,” — Carlos Cordeiro, a former Goldman Sachs banker
