FIFA considers selling a minority stake in major tournaments to private investors

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is reportedly exploring a strategic plan to sell a 20%-30% stake in the organization's flagship events, including the Men’s and Women’s World Cups and the Club World Cup, to private investors. According to reports from The Times, the governing body plans to create a new company to manage these assets while retaining a majority stake. This move aims to generate billions of dollars in capital, with potential investors identified as businessman Joshua Kushner and the investment bank JPMorgan Chase. Sources indicate that discussions have already taken place with figures close to the Donald Trump administration.

Under this proposal, the 211 national member associations of FIFA would also receive a small equity stake in the newly formed company. This initiative marks a significant shift in FIFA’s funding strategy, intended to capitalize on the financial momentum and global interest generated by the recently concluded 2026 World Cup held in the United States. While the plan is still under consideration, it represents a major move toward the commercialization of the world's most popular sport's governing structures.