Is World Cup Sell-Off Plan a Step Too Far by Gianni Infantino?
Fifa's plan to sell stakes in its tournaments, including the World Cup, to private investors tied to Donald Trump sparks outrage and disbelief.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Fifa president Gianni Infantino is pushing to sell stakes in football tournaments to private investors.
- The proposal offers $40m in funding to all Fifa nations to develop the game once finalized.
- The deal involves Thrive Capital, led by Josh Kushner, the brother-in-law of Ivanka Trump.
- Member federations face a September 19 deadline to accept the plan for an initial $15m payout.
Gianni Infantino's latest initiative has sent shockwaves through the global football community, as the Fifa president aims to sell off stakes in premier football competitions—including the World Cup—to private investors via associates of US President Donald Trump. The announcement has triggered widespread incredulity and rage from fans, politicians, and regional governing bodies alike.
Billing the move as the democratization of football, Infantino's primary selling point is $40m (£30m) in funding promised to every Fifa member country to develop the sport once the deal is finalized. The Swiss administrator has set a firm deadline of September 19 for football federations to accept the plan if they wish to access an initial $20m (£15m) installment.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
This represents the boldest maneuver by Infantino, an administrator who views himself on par with world presidents and prime ministers, during his decade-long tenure leading Fifa. By pushing the plan through, he stands to consolidate long-term power while enriching private investors along the way. His confidence stems from robust, long-standing backing across Africa, Asia, and the Americas, which have benefited financially from his expansionist policies, such as the 48-team World Cup.
The prospect of Fifa—a non-profit organization under Swiss law—selling equity in its flagship tournaments to private capital represents a profound structural shift. While smaller federations may find the immediate financial windfall irresistible, trading future growth for quick liquidity raises serious questions about the long-term commercial and sporting governance of global football.
Furthermore, the involvement of Thrive Capital, led by Josh Kushner, underscores how Infantino has leveraged personal ties with the Trump administration, building a web of mutual political and institutional alignment over recent years.
Infantino's close relationship with the Trump family is a cornerstone of this proposal. The investment fund in question is led by Josh Kushner, the brother-in-law of Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka, following years of calculated efforts by Infantino to deepen ties with the US president through gestures like creating a Peace Prize for him and opening a Fifa office in Trump Tower.
"The decision whether or not to proceed with this proposal belongs entirely to you. In exchange, all that is required is your trust - everything else remains the same."
Gianni Infantino
While the unilateral nature of the negotiations has infuriated several regional bodies, the risk of Infantino being ousted remains slim due to his strong majority support. However, critics argue that selling stakes now means private investors will siphon off future revenue growth from upcoming World Cups, potentially undermining the non-profit mandate meant to safeguard the long-term wellbeing of football.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
Source: BBC Sport
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