FIFA faces revolt over proposal to sell stake in World Cup to private investors

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed the creation of a new structure, 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' (FFE), to manage and commercialize major tournaments including the World Cup. The plan involves selling a 20-30% stake to private investors, with firms like Thrive Eternal, linked to Joshua Kushner, identified as potential candidates. FIFA claims the move aims to unlock new revenue streams for its 211 member federations, but the proposal has triggered a severe global backlash, particularly from UEFA and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), which criticized the lack of prior consultation and transparency.

In response, UEFA and its 55 member associations have unanimously threatened a boycott of all FIFA competitions if the plan proceeds. The European confederation described the proposal as an unacceptable attempt to treat the sport as an investment asset rather than a shared heritage. Infantino has set a deadline of September 19 for member federations to accept the plan, warning that rejection could lead to reduced financial support. The situation remains volatile as major stakeholders continue to oppose the structural changes, with some officials even seeking alternatives to Infantino’s leadership.