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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Infantino'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.
FIFA 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.
FIFA 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.
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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.
FIFA 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.
Gianni 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.'
FIFA 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.
Oceania 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.
JP 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.
Gianni 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.
Comoros 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.
FIFA insists 'nobody is selling football', pushes ahead with consultation plan despite backlash
FIFA has reaffirmed its commitment to proceed with a consultation period on selling a 21% minority stake in a new commercial entity, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to private investors, despite strong opposition from UEFA and Concacaf. UEFA announced that all 55 European members would boycott all FIFA competitions unless the proposals are abandoned. Concacaf also rejected the plans. FIFA responded by acknowledging the feedback but insisting it is not selling football and that the proposal aims to give member associations ownership of commercial opportunities. FIFA offered financial incentives: $40 million per association for those who support the plan, or $20 million for those who oppose it if the plan passes. The entity is valued at $20 billion by JPMorgan Chase, and Thrive Capital, founded by Joshua Kushner, is expected to lead the investor group. FIFA President Gianni Infantino gave member associations 53 days to support the proposals.
FIFA vows to proceed with private investor proposal despite UEFA opposition and boycott threat
FIFA has reaffirmed its commitment to an 'open and democratic' consultation on a proposed private investment plan for its commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), despite strong opposition from UEFA and CONCACAF. The plan, announced on July 28, 2026, could raise up to $4.2 billion based on a $20 billion valuation of FFE, which would manage events like the World Cup and Club World Cup. If approved, each of FIFA's 211 member associations would receive a one-time payment of $20 million in early 2027 and increased funding allocations. UEFA has threatened that none of its national teams would participate in any FIFA competition as long as the proposals remain alive, stating that 'the World Cup is not for sale.' FIFA President Gianni Infantino described the initiative as a 'golden opportunity to turbocharge the development of the game globally,' while UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin argued that football's future cannot be dictated by investor returns. FIFA also noted that its consultation process had been 'disrupted by incorrect media reports.'
FIFA Maintains Plan to Open to Private Investors Despite Opposition
FIFA has confirmed it will proceed with its project to create FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a commercial company in which 20% of the capital would be open to private investors, despite opposition from several confederations including UEFA. In a statement, FIFA, led by Gianni Infantino, says it wants to continue an 'open and democratic consultation process' and assures that 'no one is selling football.' FIFA highlights the financial benefits, estimating each member association could receive an additional €17 million between 2027 and 2030 through its development program. The 211 national federations have until September 19 to vote on the project. Without majority support, FIFA states the FFE company will not be created.
FIFA Vows to Continue Controversial World Cup Investment Plan Despite UEFA Boycott Threat
FIFA has stated that 'nobody is selling football' as it presses ahead with a controversial plan to sell minority stakes in its competitions to private investors, despite strong opposition from UEFA and Concacaf. UEFA voted on Thursday to boycott future World Cups if the plan proceeds, while Concacaf's 41 member associations also rejected the proposal. FIFA president Gianni Infantino needs 106 votes from 211 member associations for approval; UEFA and Concacaf together hold 96 votes. FIFA claims the consultation process has been 'disrupted by incorrect media reports' and reaffirmed its commitment to an open democratic process. The plan involves creating a commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) to run major events, with external investors taking minority non-controlling stakes. Infantino has offered $40 million to member associations that back the proposal by a September 19 deadline. Thrive Eternal, a venture capital firm linked to Jared Kushner's brother, is expected to lead the investor group.
FIFA Presses Ahead with Private Investment Plan Despite UEFA Boycott Threat
FIFA has announced it will continue with its controversial plan to create a commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), and open its capital to private investors, despite widespread criticism and opposition from confederations including UEFA. The plan, advised by JP Morgan, values FFE at $20 billion and aims to raise $4.2 billion for a 20% stake. The lead investor group is headed by Joshua Kushner, brother of Donald Trump's son-in-law. UEFA has threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, if the plan proceeds. FIFA acknowledged the concerns but stated it would continue the consultation process, blaming erroneous media reports for disrupting the dialogue.
FIFA Official: We Are Not Selling Out Football; We Are Raising Funds for Development
FIFA released an official statement on July 31 in response to UEFA, clarifying its proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative. FIFA denied accusations of selling out football, stating the FFE aims to transfer commercial and operational activities to a permanently owned subsidiary, with generated value shared among all 211 member associations. Under the proposal, each member association would receive $20 million in development funds over 2027-2030, regardless of individual support. The FIFA Fast Forward Programme offers an additional $20 million per member unit, funded by external investment without altering FIFA's governance. FIFA emphasized that the consultation process was disrupted by incorrect media reports and reaffirmed its commitment to democratic decision-making, allowing each member association to vote based on facts. Without majority support, FFE will not be established.
Sky Exclusive: At least 96 football associations oppose Infantino; impeachment likely
Sky News reports that FIFA President Gianni Infantino's position is rapidly losing support, with at least 96 of 211 football associations opposing his plan to sell a 20% stake in a new $20 billion company, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to private investors. The main investor is Joshua Kushner. UEFA and its 55 member associations have threatened to boycott all FIFA competitions unless the proposal is withdrawn. CONCACAF has also lost confidence in Infantino. If forced out, CONCACAF leader Victor Montagliani is a potential successor. The plan aims to increase FIFA's competition portfolio from 200 to over 450 events and expand the World Cup to 64 teams. The Premier League has joined European leagues in opposing the move, calling it a 'private equity asset'.
Infantino's Post-World Cup Power Play: FIFA Plans $20 Billion Sale, Triggering Boycott Threats
Eight days after the 2026 World Cup, FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced a plan to create a $20 billion subsidiary to run the World Cup and other events, offering up to 20% stakes to private investors. The sale would be overseen by Josh Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner. UEFA unanimously voted to boycott all subsequent FIFA tournaments if the measure passes, threatening the 2030 World Cup and potentially excluding 11 of the top 20 ranked nations. CONCACAF also rejected the sell-off. The article argues Infantino modeled his leadership on Donald Trump during the US-hosted tournament, learning to be more corrupt and greedy. FIFA's profit-seeking during the 2026 World Cup included selling grass from the final pitch and commercial breaks disguised as hydration pauses. The backlash could destroy Infantino's presidency or FIFA itself.