Fifa President Gianni Infantino has announced a controversial plan to sell stakes in its football competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors. This initiative aims to generate 40 million dollars in funding, which will be distributed to all Fifa member associations to support football development.
The proposal has been met with significant opposition from fans, politicians, and regional governing bodies. Infantino has set a deadline of September 19 for football federations to accept his plans, with an initial 20 million dollars available for those who agree. This move is considered Infantino's boldest since becoming Fifa president in 2016, potentially consolidating his long-term power and enriching investors.
This development fits into a broader trend of commercialization within global sports, where major events seek new revenue streams. Fifa, under Infantino's leadership, has consistently expanded its commercial and broadcast revenue. The organization has also implemented programs that allocate millions in funding directly to member countries annually, fostering a strong base of support for Infantino's initiatives.
Infantino's plan is largely supported by countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas, which have financially benefited from his previous policies. These include the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams. Many smaller football nations view the proposed 15 million dollar windfall as a substantial financial boost, far exceeding their typical earnings over several years.
The investment fund involved, Thrive Capital, is led by Josh Kushner, brother-in-law to Ivanka Trump. Greg Maffei, former president of Formula 1 owner Liberty Media and a donor to Donald Trump's political campaigns, is acting as a key commercial advisor. This connection highlights Infantino's ongoing efforts to deepen ties with the Trump family, including opening a Fifa office in Trump Tower and awarding a Peace Prize to Trump.
Critics argue that the unilateral nature of these discussions has angered many nations and regions. While the move carries significant risk, Infantino's strong support base makes it unlikely he will be unseated. The plan promises a large influx of cash for Fifa, with funds for national federations available from January 1, 2027.
Fifa, as a non-profit organization under Swiss law, theoretically prioritizes the long-term well-being of football over profit. However, selling stakes now means private investors will share in the significant growth of World Cup revenues, which typically increase with each tournament. This raises questions about who truly benefits most from such a deal.
Ultimately, the primary beneficiaries of this plan would likely be some smaller football nations, the private investors, and Infantino himself. The long-term implications for the sport's governance and financial structure remain a key point of discussion among stakeholders globally.