The ever-so-cunning Gianni Infantino has found himself at the centre of another storm. And it’s the biggest one so far.
This time, it’s not VAR, expanded tournaments or scheduling. Rather, it’s the future
ownership of the FIFA World Cup.
FIFA’s proposal to sell minority stakes in the commercial business behind the World Cup and its other tournaments has sparked a wave of criticism from football federations, league chiefs and politicians, many accusing the governing body of treating the sport like a financial asset rather than a global public trust.
What Is FIFA Planning?
On Tuesday, FIFA confirmed plans to create a new commercial entity called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would oversee the business operations of the World Cup and other FIFA competitions.
While FIFA insists it will retain majority control, it hopes to raise $4.2 billion later this year by selling minority, non-controlling stakes to carefully selected long-term investors.
The announcement followed reports by The Times and Financial Times, which claimed discussions had already begun with potential investors, including Thrive Capital, founded by Joshua Kushner, and an arm of JP Morgan Chase. The reports also alleged Infantino could become commissioner of the new entity after his expected final term ends in 2031—something FIFA has strongly denied.
Football Authorities Push Back
The backlash was swift and fierce.
UEFA issued one of the strongest statements yet, saying, “The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade. None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell.”
CONCACAF echoed those concerns, saying it was “deeply concerned by the lack of due process,” while the Asian Football Confederation revealed it had not even been consulted before the proposal entered the public domain.
England’s Football Association also questioned both the governance and transparency behind the plan.
La Liga president Javier Tebas launched a scathing attack on Infantino.
“Development cannot be used to buy votes or silences. The competitions and commercial rights of FIFA are not the personal patrimony of Infantino.”
“Infantino is not the solution to FIFA’s governance. He is the problem.”
Even former FIFA president Sepp Blatter weighed in, warning that football was becoming too closely intertwined with politics and finance.
“The close relationship between the FIFA president and the US President has reached a financial dimension that is deeply damaging football. No one has the right to sell our game.”
Politicians Enter The Debate
European Union Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef posted a blunt message on social media:
“Hands off our game.”
Meanwhile, UK politician Andy Burnham argued that football belongs to supporters—not investors.
“Football does not belong to investors. It belongs to the people who fill the stands.”
Democratic members of the US House Judiciary Committee also criticised the reported links between the proposal and investors connected to the Kushner family, accusing Infantino of turning football into a political and financial project.
(with agency inputs)
