A Massive Pushback
An unprecedented and overwhelming global condemnation and pushback forced Gianni Infantino, the President of FIFA, to abandon a controversial plan to allow private investment into FIFA.
Infantino’s Plan
Infantino had proposed creating a new $20bn commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise ( FFE), to manage FIFA’s key tournaments, including the men’s and women’s World Cups and the Club World Cup.
The 20% Stake in FFE to Private Investors
A 20℅ stake in the FFE was planned to be sold to private investors, and in turn the member nations of FIFA would receive up to $20m each if they all agreed to support the move. Thrive Capital of Joshua Kushner ( brother of Jared Kushner) was supposedly anchoring the Investment Group in funding the FFE.
The Backlash Was Severe From UEFA…
The backlash was instant and powerful, particularly from UEFA, which in one voice not only condemned the move but threatened to boycott all tournaments organised by FIFA, including the World Cup. UEFA members strongly retorted that the ‘ World Cup was not for sale ‘.
… And Other Members Too
The resistance did not stop with UEFA, and other members too voiced their deep concern over the move. CONCACAF and the AFC were quick to denounce and reject the plan, which they felt had been brought to the table without transparency and proper consultations.
Carlos Cordeiro’s Resignation In Protest…
The resignation of Senior Advisor Carlos Cordeiro in protest and public criticism from FIFA COO Kevin Lamour left no option for Infantino but to call off the plan on July 31 2026.
… Led To Infantino Abandoning The Move
In my opinion, better sense eventually prevailed. Kudos to UEFA, whose extremely strong rebuke and tough stand virtually forced Infantino to abandon the move for good.
Football is everyone’s sport and cannot be put into the hands of a few Private Investors.
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