FIFA President Infantino Plans to Sell World Cup Stakes to Private Investors
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is reportedly planning to sell a 20-30% minority stake in a new commercial entity valued at $20 billion, which would control the World Cup and Club World Cup. Private investors, including Joshua Kushner and JPMorgan, are involved, with figures close to the Trump administration consulted. The plan could earn Infantino tens of millions and a potential $64 million annual salary as commissioner after his term ends in 2031. UEFA has strongly condemned the move, warning it threatens football governance.
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Trump says it would be a 'terrible mistake' to remove Gianni Infantino as FIFA president
U.S. President Donald Trump publicly backed embattled FIFA President Gianni Infantino, calling any move to remove him a 'terrible mistake' in a Truth Social post. This follows an open letter from UEFA, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation stating trust had been 'broken through deception' and demanding Infantino's resignation. Infantino has faced intense pressure since the revelation of his now-scrapped FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which would have sold stakes in FIFA's commercial and event operations to private investors. Trump praised Infantino for presiding over 'the most successful World Cup' ever, referring to the 2026 tournament co-hosted by the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. The article notes Trump's close relationship with Infantino, including Trump receiving the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize. It also highlights that Thrive Eternal, a venture capital firm founded by Joshua Kushner (brother of Trump's son-in-law Jared), was the investment fund FIFA sought to sell a 21% stake to for $4.2 billion.
Trump says it would be 'terrible mistake' to remove Gianni Infantino as FIFA president
U.S. President Donald Trump publicly backed embattled FIFA President Gianni Infantino, calling his removal a 'terrible mistake' on Truth Social. Trump praised Infantino for presiding over 'the most successful World Cup' and warned FIFA would never be as profitable without him. This follows an open letter from UEFA, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation demanding Infantino's resignation after trust was 'broken through deception' over the now-scrapped FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, which would have sold stakes in FIFA's commercial operations. Trump and Infantino have developed a close relationship, with Trump presenting the World Cup trophy and receiving the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize from Infantino. The FFE plan involved a $4.2 billion stake sale to Thrive Eternal, a venture capital firm founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Trump's son-in-law Jared.
FIFA Refutes Report That Infantino Sought Trump Support After Failed World Cup Sell-Off Plan
FIFA has dismissed as 'pure fiction' a New York Post report that its President Gianni Infantino sought support from U.S. President Donald Trump after the collapse of a plan to sell a 20% stake in World Cup commercial rights to private investors. The proposal, which aimed to unlock up to $4.2 billion, was abandoned on July 31, 2026, following strong resistance from stakeholders. The backlash has intensified, putting Infantino's prospects for re-election from 2027 to 2031 under increased scrutiny. The report also claimed Infantino scheduled talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but a State Department official denied any such plans. Infantino and Trump have a close relationship, with Trump receiving the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December 2025. Thrive Capital, founded by Jared Kushner's brother, was expected to play a leading role in the venture.
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FIFA President Infantino's Senior Adviser Resigns Over Proposal to Sell World Cup Stake
Carlos Cordeiro, a senior adviser to FIFA President Gianni Infantino and former Goldman Sachs banker, resigned on July 31, 2026, in protest of a proposal to sell a 20% stake in FIFA's commercial businesses—including the World Cup—to private investors for $4.2 billion. The plan would create a $20 billion subsidiary, with the 'anchor investor' being a New York firm linked to Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner. Cordeiro, who also served on the White House Task Force for the World Cup, called the deal 'mortgaging football's future' and urged other FIFA staff to speak out. FIFA has set a November 18 deadline for challengers to Infantino's expected unopposed re-election.
FIFA President Infantino Under Fire Over Secret Billion-Dollar World Cup Investment Plan
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing a major crisis after proposing a secret plan to outsource commercial rights and operational management of FIFA tournaments to a new subsidiary, Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE), and sell a minority stake to private investors. The plan, valued at $20 billion, aimed to raise $4.2 billion by selling up to 21% of FFE, with Thrive Eternal (founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner) as lead investor. FIFA promised member associations increased development funding. However, UEFA and all 55 European associations unanimously rejected the plan, threatening to boycott FIFA competitions unless it is withdrawn. Concacaf and the Asian confederation AFC also opposed the proposal. Critics accuse Infantino of intimidation and secrecy, and the backlash could threaten his position as FIFA president.
Read sourceL'Équipe: Infantino Envies MLB President's Salary, Abandons Plan to Sell World Cup Shares
French media L'Équipe reports that FIFA President Gianni Infantino abandoned a plan to create a commercial entity called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) to sell minority stakes in the World Cup. The plan, developed with JP Morgan, aimed to boost FIFA's revenue, which lags behind US sports leagues like the NFL. A confidential 25-slide presentation detailed goals to streamline decision-making, improve monetization, and increase subsidies for member associations from $8 million to $24 million per cycle. Investors included Thrive Eternal (led by Jared Kushner) and Greg Maffei. The plan was scrapped after internal divisions and criticism. Separately, Infantino is exploring expanding the World Cup to 64 teams by 2030. Sources say Infantino is motivated by envy of the high salaries of US sports league presidents, such as NFL's Roger Goodell ($64 million annually). FIFA has apologized for the failed proposal.
UEFA Questions FIFA's $20 Billion Valuation, Considers Legal Action Over World Cup Rights Sale
The Guardian reports that UEFA is planning to commission an independent valuation of FIFA's commercial assets, suspecting that FIFA President Gianni Infantino agreed to sell future World Cup revenues to private equity firm Thrive Capital at below-market prices. The proposed 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' plan, which would have sold a 21% stake for $4.2 billion, was abandoned after just four days following threats from all 55 UEFA member associations to boycott the World Cup. UEFA remains unconvinced by Infantino's written apology and is pushing for his removal. Market analysts consider the $20 billion valuation low, especially given FIFA's $15 billion revenue in the last four-year cycle and the lack of restrictions on tournament expansion. UEFA is also demanding a governance review and has threatened legal action, while FIFA publicly maintains support for Infantino.
Read sourceFIFA Refutes Report That Infantino Sought Trump Backing After Failed World Cup Sell-Off Plan
FIFA has dismissed as 'pure fiction' a New York Post report that its President Gianni Infantino sought support from U.S. President Donald Trump after the collapse of a plan to sell a 20% stake in World Cup commercial rights for up to $4.2 billion. The proposal was abandoned on July 31, 2026, following strong resistance from stakeholders. The backlash has intensified, putting Infantino's prospects for a third term as FIFA president from 2027 to 2031 under scrutiny. The New York Post also claimed Infantino scheduled talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, but a U.S. official denied this. Infantino and Trump have a close relationship, with Trump receiving the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December 2025. Thrive Capital, founded by Jared Kushner's brother, was expected to lead the venture. Infantino has taken to Instagram to amplify support from member federations.
Read sourceInfantino's $20 Billion FIFA Investment Plan Collapses Amid European Mutiny
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has abandoned a controversial plan to sell a 20% stake in future World Cup and FIFA event profits to private investors, led by Joshua Kushner's Thrive Eternal, for $4.2 billion based on a $20 billion valuation. The proposal, which would have created a subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise, faced intense opposition from European soccer federations (UEFA), FIFA vice presidents, senior executives, and even the UK Prime Minister. UEFA threatened to boycott all FIFA competitions until the plan was dropped. Infantino's senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned, and FIFA COO Kevin Lamour publicly criticized the plan. Despite securing pledges of support from about 200 of FIFA's 211 member federations for his reelection, Infantino's political standing is now uncertain. The plan aimed to double annual payments to member federations but was seen as risking the integrity of the World Cup and further congesting the football calendar.
Read sourceFIFA Scraps Controversial World Cup Stake Sale After UEFA Opposition
On July 31, FIFA abandoned its controversial plan to sell minority stakes in the World Cup to private investors, following fierce opposition from UEFA and other confederations. The proposal, called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), would have consolidated FIFA's revenue-generating operations and brought in outside investors, with venture capitalist Joshua Kushner as the lead investor. FIFA offered its 211 member associations upfront payments totaling up to $86 million per association by 2038. UEFA held an emergency meeting and voted to boycott World Cups if the plan proceeded, arguing the World Cup 'cannot be treated as an investment product.' FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously faced similar resistance in 2018 over a SoftBank deal for the Club World Cup. The article also notes Infantino's close relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump and Kushner's family ties to Trump.
Read sourceFIFA President Infantino Struggles to Find New Sponsor After Thrive Eternal Withdrawal
According to an exclusive report by Daily Telegraph journalist Tom Morgan, Thrive Eternal, a private investment company central to FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plan, privately urged FIFA to terminate the project after growing public backlash. Sources indicate that after Thrive signaled its withdrawal, Infantino initially rushed to find a new investment group. However, he quickly realized that the financial world, like Thrive, had been impacted by the public backlash, making it difficult to secure a new backer. The report highlights the reputational damage to Infantino's plans and the reluctance of financial entities to associate with FIFA amid controversy.
FIFA Abandons World Cup Share Sale Plan After Massive Resistance
FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced a U-turn on plans to sell shares of the World Cup business to private investors, following widespread opposition, particularly from Europe. The plan, which involved selling approximately 20% of a newly established subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) valued at $20 billion, was intended to bundle commercial rights to FIFA competitions including the men's and women's World Cups and the Club World Cup. In a statement, Infantino acknowledged that the project had created divisions that were no longer in the interest of the original goal, despite some support. The decision marks a significant victory for European football bodies and other critics who opposed the privatization of the World Cup's commercial rights.
Read sourceFIFA Abandons Plan to Seek Private Investment for World Cup
FIFA has abandoned its plan to sell a share of the World Cup to private equity firms as part of a broader investment strategy, the federation announced late Friday. The plan, which was disclosed earlier in the week, would have sought approximately $10 billion in private investment in exchange for a stake in the tournament's commercial rights. The decision marks a reversal of FIFA's efforts to monetize the World Cup's popularity through private capital, though the federation did not provide specific reasons for the scrapped initiative. The move comes amid ongoing scrutiny of FIFA's financial practices and governance.
Trump Denies Discussing FIFA Event Business Equity Sale Plan with Infantino
US President Donald Trump denied discussing with FIFA President Gianni Infantino a plan to sell equity in FIFA's tournament business to external investors. The denial came during a press conference at Camp David on Friday. FIFA had announced on Tuesday its intention to establish a subsidiary valued at approximately $20 billion to operate the World Cup and other events, and to sell up to 20% of its shares to external investors. FIFA also stated that an investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, is expected to lead the proposed investor group. Trump acknowledged his close relationship with Infantino, noting they previously attended the 2026 World Cup final award ceremony together, but explicitly denied any communication regarding the equity sale plan.
Read sourceGianni Infantino's senior advisor quits over FIFA's World Cup plans: 'It is mortgaging football's future'
Carlos Cordeiro, 70, resigned as senior advisor to FIFA President Gianni Infantino after five years in the role, citing strong opposition to FIFA's plan to sell a minority stake in the World Cup to private investors. FIFA announced on July 28, 2026, its intention to sell a 20% stake in a new entity, FIFA Forward Enterprises (FFE), to an investor group led by Thrive Eternal for $4.2 billion. The funds would be distributed to member associations via a new FIFA Fast-Forward Programme. Cordeiro, a former investment banker, described the proposal as 'mortgaging football's future' and noted FIFA already has $15 billion in revenue from the 2022-2026 cycle. The plan has drawn widespread backlash from UEFA, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation, with UEFA threatening to boycott the World Cup. FIFA has defended the plan, stating 'nobody is trying to sell football.'
Read sourceFIFA Defends World Cup Privatization Plan Amid Growing Opposition from Regional Federations
FIFA has defended its plan to sell a minority stake in the FIFA World Cup to Joshua Kushner's Thrive Capital, dismissing criticism that it is 'selling football.' The plan, known as the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal, aims to raise $4.2 billion by selling a 20% stake at a $20 billion valuation. FIFA's statement criticized regional bodies UEFA, CONCACAF, and AFC for opposing the deal, asserting that no single entity represents all 211 member associations. The opposition has been strong: UEFA threatened a boycott of FIFA tournaments unless the proposal is abandoned, CONCACAF expressed 'deep concerns' over the short deadline and need for private equity, and the AFC stood in solidarity with them. FIFA President Gianni Infantino is pushing for approval by a September 19 deadline, warning members they could lose access to $40 million in funding if they reject the deal. The plan has drawn scrutiny due to Infantino's ties to President Donald Trump and Kushner's family connections.
Read sourceOceania Football Confederation Asks Members to Study FIFA's Controversial Private Investment Proposal
The Oceania Football Confederation (OFC) has asked its eleven member federations to examine FIFA's proposal to create a commercial company, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), open to private investors. The project, valued at $20 billion, aims to raise up to $4.2 billion by selling minority shares. FIFA promises each of its 211 member federations an exceptional $20 million payment in early 2027 and increased allocations if the plan proceeds. The OFC joins the African Confederation (CAF) in not opposing the initiative, while UEFA and CONCACAF strongly oppose it, with UEFA threatening to boycott World Cups. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) supports the opposition without taking a stance, and CONMEBOL has yet to comment. The OFC will discuss the proposal at its Executive Committee meeting in August.
Read sourceJP Morgan Bank Proposes Expanding FIFA Tournaments to Boost Revenue Amid Backlash
The article reports on FIFA President Gianni Infantino's controversial plan to create a commercial subsidiary (FFE) and sell 20% to private investors for $4.2 billion, facing strong opposition from UEFA and other football bodies. New revelations from The Guardian detail a JP Morgan bank valuation presentation sent to FIFA's 211 member associations, which labels FIFA as 'under-monetized' compared to US leagues like the NFL and NBA. JP Morgan suggests increasing FIFA's annual tournaments from 200 to 450, potentially reviving the idea of a biennial World Cup, and improving TV rights management. The plan has sparked a revolt, with UEFA threatening to boycott international competitions if the project proceeds. The involvement of investors close to Donald Trump adds political dimensions to the financial restructuring.
Read sourceGianni Infantino's Salary, Wife, and Controversial World Cup Investment Plan
The article reports on FIFA president Gianni Infantino's personal and professional details, including his confirmed salary of approximately £2.39 million base plus £2 million variable, and his marriage to Leena Al Ashqar since 2001. The core news is Infantino's proposal to create FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would sell 20-30% stakes in World Cup events to private investors, offering member associations £30 million each for the 2027-30 cycle. This plan has sparked backlash from UEFA, which announced a boycott of FIFA competitions while the proposal is under discussion. Infantino defends the plan as a 'golden opportunity' and not an obligation, but European and North American football bodies strongly oppose it.
Read sourceComoros Federation President Explains Support for Infantino's FIFA Commercial Sale Project
The president of the Comoros Football Federation, Saïd Ali Saïd Athouman, has justified his willingness to study FIFA President Gianni Infantino's controversial proposal to create and sell a commercial subsidiary (FFE) to private investors. Athouman emphasized that African nations face severe financial constraints, stating 'Our problem is how to get money' and noting they lack sponsors. Unlike UEFA, which has rejected the plan, CAF remains open to discussion. FIFA promises a $20 million increase in aid via the Forward Programme and a one-time $20 million check for associations joining the Fast Forward Programme. Athouman acknowledged that if he were European, he might oppose the idea, but African realities make it necessary to consider the financial windfall. The project has sparked a major rift within global football governance.
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