FIFA Draws Fury Over Plan to Sell Stakes in World Cup

The soccer world is reeling after FIFA announced plans to create a $20 billion subsidiary, offering external investors a chance to buy up to 20% of the commercial rights of the World Cup. The proposal has sparked widespread outrage among fans, officials, and lawmakers, who fear that it would turn the sport’s biggest tournament into an investment asset and compromise its integrity.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s assertion that this move is a way to “celebrate [the] success” of soccer’s commercialization rings hollow when faced with the backlash from UEFA, CONCACAF, and other confederations. The European soccer body has already threatened to hold an emergency meeting to discuss plans for opposition, including a potential World Cup boycott.

At the heart of this controversy lies Infantino’s close relationship with U.S. President Donald Trump. Critics point to ties with Thrive Capital, a permanent capital investment firm launched by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner. This has raised concerns about FIFA’s already-controversial connections with Trump.

The proposed subsidiary, “FIFA Forward Enterprise” (FFE), would consolidate FIFA’s commercial rights, including broadcast, sponsorship, ticketing, and licensing. External investors could buy shares of up to 20% of FFE, potentially generating significant funding increases for member associations.

However, critics argue that this move would overly commercialize the sport, deepening its ties with Trump’s family and compromising its integrity. The $4.2 billion raised from external investors could be used to fund soccer development programs worldwide, but at what cost?

The existing FIFA Forward program provides $8 million in development funds to each member association during the 2027-30 World Cup cycle. Under the proposal, this would increase to $20 million per association for the upcoming cycle and up to $24 million by 2038. Yet these figures pale in comparison to the massive revenue generated from the 2026 men’s World Cup, which brought in a record $12 billion.

The Football Association has expressed concern about the lack of process and governance involved in this proposal. FA Chair Debbie Hewitt, one of FIFA’s eight vice-presidents, has called for greater transparency and consultation with stakeholders before moving forward.

If successful, this plan could set a precedent for other sports organizations to follow suit, potentially leading to a new era of commercialization and external investment in sports. This raises important questions about the role of money in sport and its impact on integrity.

The final decision on the proposal will require majority support from FIFA’s member associations and approval by the FIFA council. As tensions rise, it remains to be seen whether Infantino’s vision for a more commercially-driven FIFA will prevail or if the soccer world will rally against this proposed sell-out.