FIFA president Gianni Infantino has sparked a major backlash after unveiling a plan to open parts of football’s biggest competitions to private investors, a move already dominating Europe news and drawing sharp criticism from UEFA. The proposal would place commercial operations for tournaments such as the men’s World Cup and Club World Cup into a new company, raising fresh questions in irish news and global sports circles about governance, transparency and who ultimately profits from the game.
According to FIFA, the proposed entity would be called FIFA Forward Enterprise and could be valued at around $20 billion (€17.5 billion). The organisation said it wants to raise up to $4.2 billion (€3.7 billion) by selling minority, non-controlling stakes to selected long-term investors. FIFA argues the money would help expand development funding for its 211 member associations worldwide.
Europe News: Why Infantino’s FIFA investment plan is causing controversy
The reaction from UEFA was immediate and severe. European football’s governing body accused FIFA of crossing a red line by treating the sport’s governing structure and competitions like financial assets. UEFA’s central concern is not only the sale itself, but the lack of clarity over who benefits and how decisions would be made if private capital becomes embedded in the game’s commercial engine.
FIFA insists the plan is about widening opportunity and redistributing money more effectively. Infantino has framed it as a way to “democratise” football by boosting direct support for national associations through 2038. Under the outline presented, member federations could receive significantly more development funding than under current cycles.
- Current FIFA development promise through the 2027-30 cycle: about $8 million per member
- Proposed new amount: up to $20 million initially
- Later cycles could rise further to $22 million and then $24 million per member
How the new FIFA company would work
FIFA said the new subsidiary would manage commercial rights linked to major competitions, including the World Cup and Club World Cup. JP Morgan is reportedly involved in advising on the financial structure, while intended investors are said to include Thrive Eternal, a firm launched by Joshua Kushner. That connection has intensified scrutiny because Jared Kushner, Joshua’s brother, is married to Ivanka Trump, tying the proposal to a wider network of political influence.
The timing is sensitive. Infantino’s relationship with US president Donald Trump has already drawn attention during and after the 2026 World Cup. Critics say the latest proposal deepens concerns over political proximity and decision-making at the top of world football.
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Not the first attempt to privatise FIFA assets
This is not Infantino’s first effort to bring in outside capital. Back in 2018, he pushed a separate multibillion-dollar concept involving new international competitions, reportedly backed by private funding linked to SoftBank and Saudi interests. That attempt faced fierce resistance, especially from UEFA, and ultimately did not go ahead.
Still, the current proposal shows how determined FIFA’s leadership remains to unlock more commercial revenue from its marquee tournaments. The 2026 World Cup generated record income of roughly $12 billion (€10.5 billion), strengthening Infantino’s position ahead of next year’s election, where he is widely expected to secure another term.
What happens next?
The plan cannot move forward automatically. FIFA’s member federations would need to approve it, and there is not yet a clear timetable for debate or a final vote. Questions also remain over whether a powerful executive role could be created within the new company and whether Infantino himself might eventually lead it.
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Why this matters for football and beyond
For supporters, federations and policymakers following Europe news, the issue is bigger than balance sheets. It touches on whether football remains governed as a public-interest sporting institution or increasingly operates like a private entertainment asset. The strong UEFA response suggests this battle could shape the future structure of the global game for years.
In the weeks ahead, Europe news, ireland news and wider irish news coverage will likely focus on one key question: can FIFA convince its members that selling stakes in the World Cup protects football’s future rather than commercialising its soul? That is the core test facing Infantino’s bold and deeply divisive plan.
