FIFA’s plan to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors has been scrapped after widespread backlash. The plan, which aimed to raise up to $4.2 billion by selling about a 20% stake in a new unit, was met with opposition from European soccer’s governing body, UEFA, and other members.
FIFA’s Proposal and Backlash
The proposal, first announced on Tuesday, immediately faced a storm of opposition. UEFA threatened a boycott of events and accused FIFA of putting the sport’s “soul” up for sale. FIFA President Gianni Infantino said in a statement that the project had created divisions that were no longer in the interest of the objective set out.
Infantino had argued that selling the minority stake in its commercial operations would raise billions of dollars to fund global sports development. However, opposition to the plan snowballed over the week, with UEFA’s 55 member nations voting unanimously to boycott all FIFA tournaments until the proposal was withdrawn.
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Internal Fallout and Resignations
Disagreement was also internal, with Infantino’s senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigning with immediate effect, calling the plan “a bad deal for football.” FIFA Chief Operating Officer Kevin Lamour said staff had been “deceived” by Infantino, describing the proposal as a “project of one person”.
The proposed sale of a 20% stake in the new FIFA Forward Enterprise, valued at $20 billion, is reportedly dead amid opposition from UEFA, AFC, and Concacaf. FIFA insists it will continue consultations, allowing all 211 national associations to review and vote on the proposal.
Leadership and Political Reactions
Infantino, 56, is up for reelection next year, and North American football chief Victor Montagliani is reportedly looking to challenge him. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham told reporters that Infantino was “the wrong man to lead the organisation.” The U.S. co-hosted the recent 2026 World Cup, and Trump said he had not spoken with Infantino about the external investment plan.
According to the FIFA website, the organization’s purpose is to unite and improve the sport. In this context, the proposal’s collapse may be seen as a setback for FIFA’s efforts to secure private investment and grow the sport globally.
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FIFA had proposed creating a $20-billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to run the World Cup and its other events. Thrive Eternal, a fund run by Thrive Capital, founded by Joshua Kushner, had been slated to lead the proposed investor group.
What’s Next for FIFA
FIFA stated it will continue its consultation process, allowing all 211 national associations to review and vote on the proposal. The organization’s leadership and future direction remain uncertain, with Infantino facing opposition and potential challenges to his reelection bid.
The collapse of the proposal may have significant implications for the future of the World Cup and the sport as a whole. As FIFA moves forward, it will be important to consider the perspectives of all stakeholders, including national associations, players, and fans, to ensure the sport’s continued growth and success.
