Fifa president Gianni Infantino pushes World Cup sell-off plan amid opposition
Fifa President Gianni Infantino is advocating for a plan to sell stakes in the organisation’s football competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors. This proposal has reportedly been met with strong reactions from various football stakeholders, including fans, politicians, and regional governing bodies.
Infantino has presented the initiative as a way to democratise football, with a key component being a $40m funding allocation for all Fifa countries to develop the sport once the deal is finalised. An initial payment of $20m is available to football federations that accept the plan by 19 September.
Infantino’s support and motivations
Since his election as Fifa president in 2016, Infantino has garnered significant support from numerous countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. This backing stems from financial benefits provided through policies such as the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams, increased commercial and broadcast revenues, and an annual funding programme for member countries. This base of support reportedly accounts for more than half of Fifa’s 211 members, meaning the plan could be approved with a simple majority vote.
The proposal is particularly appealing to smaller football nations, for whom the initial funding could represent a substantial financial boost over several years. Decisions made during Infantino’s tenure, such as the introduction of hydration breaks and a musical half-time show at the World Cup, were implemented without a member vote, indicating his emboldened approach to the presidency.
Infantino’s close relationship with Donald Trump is also highlighted as a factor in the current plan. The investment fund involved, Thrive Capital, is led by Josh Kushner, who is Trump’s son-in-law. Additionally, Greg Maffei, a former president of Formula 1 owner Liberty Media and a donor to Trump’s political campaigns, is acting as a “key commercial advisor” for Fifa. Infantino has previously sought to strengthen ties with Trump, including awarding him a Peace Prize and opening a Fifa office in Trump Tower.
If the plan is approved, Fifa would receive a substantial cash influx, with funds for national federations becoming available from 1 January 2027. However, critics argue that selling stakes now would allow private investors to share in the future growth of World Cup revenues, which have historically increased with each tournament. Miguel Maduro, a former chairman of Fifa’s governance committee, suggested that the proposal could be seen as a “legalised bribe” due to the system of patronage within Fifa.
Growing opposition and potential consequences
The plan has intensified an existing conflict between Fifa and Uefa, the European governing body. Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin boycotted the World Cup final in protest of a Fifa decision to overturn a suspension for USA striker Folarin Balogun following an intervention from Trump. Uefa has also publicly stated its opposition to Fifa’s plan, claiming that Fifa is seeking “to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends.”
The division between the two organisations is further exacerbated by Fifa’s revamped and expanded Club World Cup, which is seen as a direct competitor to Uefa’s Champions League. Some national federations have expressed anger at learning about the plans only after Fifa made them public, though many statements have not explicitly condemned the concept of the sell-off itself. Reports indicate that many Uefa members are upset about the plan, and a meeting is expected to be convened to discuss a response.
Infantino’s tenure has been marked by a consistent desire for expansion, evident from his initial election promises of increased funding and his subsequent proposals for an expanded World Cup and Club World Cup. While some speculate that his motivations include securing a lucrative role after his presidency, with reports suggesting he could become CEO of the new venture, Fifa has denied such discussions. Another perspective suggests Infantino’s actions are driven by a pursuit of status and power, as he has increasingly associated with world leaders and mimicked their behaviours. Despite the controversy, the strong support Infantino enjoys among a majority of Fifa’s members suggests the plan is likely to proceed.
The deadline for football federations to accept the plan and access the initial $20m is 19 September.
Source: bbc.co.uk
As News GB's Senior Football Correspondent, Lewis Hartnell reports on the Premier League, the EFL and the England national side for readers across the country. He reported on south-coast football for a regional title. He holds a degree in Sports Journalism from Solent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Lewis lives in Southampton, where he watches youth football and follows the transfer market. “The week's training ground decides the weekend's headlines.”
