FIFA President Gianni Infantino has unveiled a plan to create a new $20 billion commercial subsidiary named FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would take control of running the men’s and women’s World Cups alongside the Club World Cup. The proposal would mark the first time FIFA has opened its major tournaments and commercial rights to outside private investors.
Structure and funding
Under the proposal, FIFA would sell a 20 to 30 per cent minority stake in the new subsidiary to private equity investors while retaining majority control. The governing body aims to raise up to $4.2 billion from this initial sell-off to fund global development programmes.
Infantino would step down as FIFA president at the end of his term in 2031 to become commissioner of this new commercial venture. His salary in the new role is expected to match high-profile American sports executives, potentially earning him tens of millions of pounds a year.
Expansion and political ties
The proposed venture aims to expand football’s global reach and could see major tournaments staged more frequently than the traditional four-year cycle. There are also considerations to further enlarge tournament sizes beyond the expanded 48-team men’s and 32-team women’s formats.
Senior figures within Donald Trump’s administration have already been briefed on the planned commercial takeover and restructuring of FIFA’s assets. Infantino has continually strengthened his political and personal ties with the U.S. President, even setting up a FIFA office inside Trump Tower.
Businessman Joshua Kushner – brother of Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner – is in prime position to back the deal through his investment firm Thrive Capital, alongside banking giant JP Morgan. Kushner’s firm is expected to lead the investor group as the anchor partner in acquiring the minority stake.
Financial incentives for member nations and opposition
The deal offers a significant cash boost to FIFA’s 211 member nations, promising them a one-off payment of up to $20 million (£15.5m) each if the proposal is accepted. Should member federations reject the commercial deal, their guaranteed funding over the next four-year cycle would remain at $10 million.
UEFA has fiercely opposed the proposal, claiming that the soul and governance of football are not assets to be sold to private equity. European football’s governing body expressed severe concern over the lack of transparency regarding who ultimately stands to profit financially.
European nations are so strongly against the privatisation plan they have pledged to boycott all FIFA competitions until the idea is buried. UEFA called an emergency meeting with its 55 member associations to unite their opposition against Infantino’s initiative.
Beyond European football, both the South American (CONMEBOL) and Asian (AFC) confederations were reportedly blindsided by the sudden announcement of the $20bn scheme. Lawmakers and football institutions globally have voiced concerns over the rapid commercialisation and potential oligarchic influence within the sport.
Infantino’s defence and deadline
Defending his controversial plan against mounting criticism, Infantino spoke out to reassure member federations about the true purpose of the project. He stated: “This is about the democratisation of football worldwide.”
Infantino has imposed a strict deadline of September 19 for all 211 member federations to formally accept or reject the $20m funding offer. He insists it is his duty as FIFA president to present this unique funding opportunity to secure football’s financial future.
