UEFA has slammed FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s plans to sell stakes in the World Cup and other tournaments to investors. FIFA has said it intends to expand its ‘football development fund’ to more than £7.5 billion and invite third-party investment into new projects.
Under the plan, FIFA would retain majority control of the new venture, with the remainder sold to the 211 national associations wishing to invest, and some to private investment. The plan could see Infantino become World Cup “commissioner” in 2031, when his term as FIFA president finally ends.
But UEFA, which opposed the proposal and has long criticized Infantino, said in a statement: “The soul of football and governance are not exchangeable assets.”
“This crosses a line that football’s governing body should never cross,” the statement read.
“UEFA takes this matter very seriously and so should all national football associations. So should leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and all parties with an interest in the future of the game.”
“The soul and governance of football is not a tradable asset. There is zero transparency, especially about who benefits financially. None of us owns football. It is not FIFA that sells it.”
European Football Supporters, meanwhile, called for Infantino’s resignation, saying in a statement: “The World Cup is not for sale. We have had enough of this kind of display. The World Cup is not for sale.”
“FIFA’s member associations, and everyone concerned about the future of football, must stand up to the man who is trying to sell football to the world. Gianni Infantino must go.”
FIFA said it plans to “carefully select long-term investors to purchase a minority non-controlling interest in FFE” if the proposal is given the green light.
The company also announced that Thrive Eternal, a company founded in April by Joshua Kushner, the brother of US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, will lead the group of investors proposed for FFE.
“FIFA is always looking for innovative projects that support the development of football around the world and is always ready to consider any proposals submitted,” the statement confirmed. “We are starting a consultation process.
“As the FIFA President said in a meeting with all FIFA Member Associations on 18 July, the priority now is to “unlock the commercial potential and opportunities of FIFA” after a successful 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“FIFA takes decisions democratically and the proposals received and currently under consideration by FIFA will shortly be submitted to the 211 member associations and the FIFA Council, which will be the sole final arbiter on this matter.”
