FIFA’s Faustian Bargain: Selling Out to Kushner and Co.

Gianni Infantino, the embattled president of FIFA, has announced plans to create a $20 billion company running the World Cup with private investors. The involvement of Joshua Kushner’s Thrive Eternal, which includes Jared Kushner as its son-in-law, is particularly galling given their ties to the Trump family.

Infantino’s plan to create FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) appears to be a business move aimed at capitalizing on football’s global popularity. The 2026 World Cup generated a record $12 billion in revenue, and Infantino wants to tap into this lucrative market. However, this Faustian bargain comes with a steep price: surrendering control and transparency over the world’s most popular sport.

The UEFA has responded scathingly to the plan, echoing concerns about Infantino’s attempts to privatize assets and increase commercial ties with countries like Saudi Arabia. UEFA president Michael Platini warned that “none of us are the owners of football,” emphasizing that football’s soul and governance should not be commodities to be traded for short-term financial gain.

Infantino’s 11-year presidency has been marred by controversy, including corruption allegations and questionable sponsorship deals. This latest plan reeks of desperation, a final attempt to justify his own legacy and secure a lucrative post-FIFA role. Rumors about a commissioner-like position within FFE suggest Infantino is positioning himself for a sinecure rather than a genuine commitment to the sport.

The timing of this announcement raises questions about Infantino’s future as FIFA president. With his re-election all but assured next year, will he use FFE as a springboard to secure a high-paying job or perhaps even a global soccer leadership role? The silence from FIFA on potential conflicts of interest is deafening.

The football community must stand united against this attempt to commodify the beautiful game. UEFA’s call to action – echoed by national Football Associations worldwide – should be heeded by all member federations. As Infantino himself said, a consultation process has begun; it’s time for players, coaches, and fans to have their voices heard.

FIFA’s integrity standards were already under scrutiny during the 2026 World Cup. The involvement of Thrive Eternal only serves to further erode trust. If this deal goes ahead, it will be a dark day for football – one that will forever taint Infantino’s legacy by sacrificing the sport’s values on the altar of profit.

The clock is ticking; FIFA members must act quickly to block this catastrophic plan and safeguard the future of football. Anything less would be a betrayal of the game itself.