FIFA World Cup stake sale explained: What is Infantino’s plan, who it affects, what are the reactions?
Gianni Infantino has caused a stir in the world of football once again by announcing a plan to sell stake in the FIFA World Cup. Here is the controversy explained.
FILE PHOTO: FIFA president Gianni Infantino with the World Cup trophy.
| Photo Credit: AP
Barely days after the FIFA World Cup 2026 concluded in the United States, president Gianni Infantino has drawn criticism for his planned stake sale in the tournament.
In what he called a “democratisation of football”, Infantino announced a plan to create a private company to run the World Cup and other FIFA tournaments. This involves third parties to buy a share in the FIFA World Cup and have a say in how the tournament in conducted.
His justification to make this change: More money for member federations.
What is the proposed stake sale in the FIFA World Cup and how will it work?
The development was reported by the Timesand the Financial Times on Tuesday that FIFA now plans to create a subsidiary worth $20 billion, which will be called the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). Instead of FIFA controlling the tournament, it will be the FFE that does it.
FFE will be in-charge of the World Cup rights, including broadcast, sponsorship, ticketing and licensing, and also take charge of the “operational delivery” of the tournament.
According to news reports, Infantino on Wednesday wrote a letter to the member nations of FIFA, assuring that the governing body will retain the majority control in the FFE. He added that the move will lead to more funds to nations to run and govern the sport. The Associated Press reported that this figure stands at $20 million and Infantino has set September 19 as the deadline for nations to accept it.
Who are the proposed investors for the FIFA Forward Enterprise?
The proposed lead investor to take a stake in FFE is Joshua Kushner, the brother of Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, who owns a venture capital firm called Thrive Eternal Capital Management.
Other minority investors will come on board through this venture capital firm, with plans to raise up to $4.2 billion from the stake.
These investors “would be selected against clear long-term, governance, and strategic criteria,” Infantino has reportedly written in the letter addressed to the member nations.
What happens next and why is a stake sale drawing flak?
The proposal has not yet been implemented. Infantino’s plans will need to be approved by the 211 member nations in FIFA in order to come to effect. Among the early reactions to the change, UEFA, which comprises 55 nations, has threatened to boycott the next World Cup if the changes go through.
Despite FIFA claiming the stake sale will be non-controlling, concerns remain around outside influence shaping how the tournament is organised. One of the major criticisms for the 2026 World Cup was the exorbitantly high ticket prices. Under the FFE, similar problems could trouble fans.
Further, the lead investor is related to Trump. Infantino’s relationship with the American President has come under the scanner, with the FIFA chief set to undergo an investigation over his ties with the Trump administration.
Here are some of the major reactions to Infantino’s planned sale:
Infantino’s announcement has quite naturally caused a stir in the footballing world, with several big names and federations openly calling out the FIFA president while some have cautiously backed the proposal, but asked for more clarity.
UEFA– This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. UEFA takes it extremely seriously. So should every National Football Association. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game. The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell.
AFC– The AFC firmly believes that all stakeholders should be provided with sufficient information and adequate time to assess the proposal in full, including its governance, legal, commercial and strategic implications. Such a process is essential to ensuring that any decision reflects the collective interests of the global football community and reinforces confidence in FIFA’s governance framework
Sepp Blatter, former FIFA President– The close relationship between the FIFA President and the U.S. President has reached a financial dimension that is deeply damaging football. No one has the right to sell our game.
Javier Tebas, La Liga President – FIFA’s competitions and commercial rights are not (FIFA President Gianni) Infantino’s personal property. Anyone who mixes politics, discipline, money and power without transparency is not fit to lead anything. Infantino is not the solution to FIFA’s governance problems.
Philippe Diallo, French Football Federation President – Given its direction — specifically, as I understand, bringing investment funds into a commercial entity alongside FIFA — it obviously raises many questions, particularly since we, the member federations, were not involved and we lack the specific information needed to weigh in on matters that are clearly fundamental to the future of football.
David Trunda, Czech Football Federation President – I can see the pragmatic benefits for Czech football from working in close co-operation with (FIFA president) Gianni Infantino and his team. Of course we need more details, but my personal point of view is that I can see the positive impact of FIFA’s intentions.
CONCACAF– We share the disappointment of many within our region and the game that this level of detail has been designed and shared publicly before any discussion with the relevant governance bodies and stakeholders has taken place.
The Football Association (England FA)– We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is and what conditions are attached. Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved. When the proposal is shared in the full and transparent way now promised by FIFA, we will make our views clear and comment further.
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