UEFA accuses FIFA of 'selling football' over World Cup investment plan
FIFA plans to create a semi-private subsidiary, aiming to raise $4.2 billion by selling minority stakes, triggering strong criticism from UEFA.
FIFA announced Tuesday it will create a semi-private subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), retaining majority control but seeking $4.2 billion by selling minority, non-controlling stakes to long-term investors. The plan was leaked to British newspapers, which reported that FIFA president Gianni Infantino could become FFE commissioner after his expected term ends in 2031, though FIFA denied this.
Potential investors include Thrive Capital, led by Joshua Kushner (brother-in-law of Jared Kushner), and JP Morgan Chase, a bank that previously tried to finance the failed European Super League. UEFA responded sharply, stating that "the soul and governance of football are not assets to trade" and that none of them own football. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter criticized the close relationship between Infantino and US President Donald Trump. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham also condemned the plan, insisting football belongs to fans.
The plan requires approval from FIFA's 38-member council and a majority of its 211 member associations. Each association can purchase a $20 million stake (0.1% of total). FIFA values FFE at an initial $20 billion equity valuation. FIFA claims total development funding could exceed $10 billion over four years.
Discussions about expanding the World Cup to 64 teams in 2030 have also emerged. An anonymous source called the plan "potentially much worse than the European Super League," citing conflicts of interest for FIFA and Infantino. FIFA had previously rejected a $25 billion investment plan in 2019 but expanded the Club World Cup to 32 teams in 2025. Past partnerships with private entities, like ISL's bankruptcy in 2001, led to significant losses for FIFA.
