Uefa says Fifa plan for private investment in World Cup 'crosses line'
European football's governing body reacts with fury to Fifa's private investment proposals, involving Thrive and potential millions for Gianni Infantino.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Uefa reacts furiously to Fifa's proposals seeking private investment in competitions.
- The story was initially uncovered by the Financial Times and The Times.
- American venture firm Thrive is expected to lead the proposed investor group for FFE.
- All 211 member associations could vote on the proposal at the Fifa Congress in Morocco in March.
European football's governing body Uefa has reacted with absolute fury to proposals put forward by Fifa to seek private investment in its flagship competitions, including the World Cup. The unfolding story was first brought to light by the Financial Times and the Times, with the latter publication claiming that the strategic plans could potentially generate tens of millions of pounds in earnings for Fifa president Gianni Infantino.
Detailing the corporate structure, Fifa stated that once official approval has been secured, Thrive Eternal is anticipated to spearhead the proposed investor group for FFE. Thrive itself is an American venture capital firm established by Joshua Kushner, who happens to be the brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law to US President Donald Trump.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Defending the initiative, Gianni Infantino argued that every individual nation should reap the benefits generated by football's immense commercial wealth. He noted that certain parts of the sport have transformed their widespread popularity into remarkable commercial value, a success worth celebrating and sustaining because it uplifts the entire football ecosystem. He added that Fifa's core mission is ensuring the remainder of the global game grows alongside it to support sustainable and inclusive development everywhere.
This clash between Uefa and Fifa highlights deep-seated tensions over control, financial distribution, and the crowded international football calendar. Introducing private equity into global sports governance frequently sparks concerns regarding the relentless expansion of tournaments for revenue generation, which directly threatens the commercial dominance and traditional calendar of continental competitions like the UEFA Champions League.
Nevertheless, Uefa released a sharp statement criticizing the proposals, asserting firmly that the initiative "crosses a line." Uefa views this announcement as a step too far that opens the door for further expansions of Fifa tournaments in both scale and frequency to boost revenue, posing a direct threat to Uefa's own highly lucrative competitions. The organization emphasized that this matter must be taken extremely seriously by every national football association and stakeholder caring about the future of the sport.
"Uefa takes it extremely seriously. So should every National Football Association. So should every stakeholder who cares about the future of the game."
Uefa
In response to the backlash, Fifa maintains that it will retain absolute control of FFE alongside exclusive authority over football governance, official competitions, the international match calendar, and all regulatory and sporting decisions. The contentious issue is widely expected to dominate discussions at the upcoming Fifa Council meeting scheduled for the autumn, followed by further talks around the Fifa Intercontinental Cup in December, culminating in a potential vote by all 211 member associations at the Fifa Congress in Morocco next March.
Source: BBC Sport
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