Infantino sets deadline for $20 million FIFA offer in Kushner-backed World Cup plan

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has issued a firm deadline of September 19 for the organization's 211 member federations to decide on a lucrative, one-off $20 million offer. This proposal is intrinsically linked to a controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup, a project underwritten by Thrive Capital, the investment firm of Joshua Kushner, brother of former U.S. presidential advisor Jared Kushner.

Infantino described the offer as a "singular and unique funding opportunity” in a letter detailing his ambition to establish a $20 billion FIFA subsidiary. This entity would be 20% owned by private investors and tasked with managing the soccer body’s major competitions, including the World Cup and Club World Cup. "It is my duty and responsibility as FIFA president to present such game-changing opportunities to you, our members,” Infantino stated in the letter obtained by The Associated Press.

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It is my duty and responsibility as FIFA president to present such game-changing opportunities to you, our members.

The proposal has ignited immediate backlash, particularly from Infantino’s former colleagues at the European soccer body UEFA. UEFA vehemently declared that the World Cup "is not FIFA’s to sell” and is reportedly organizing an emergency online meeting for its 55 member federations. Concerns have also been voiced by the continental soccer bodies for Asia and CONCACAF, who cited a "lack of due process" and disappointment over the plan's premature public disclosure.

This move marks the latest in a series of ambitious, and at times unilateral, projects initiated during Infantino's presidency. Critics argue that he increasingly operates without consulting major soccer stakeholders. The potential creation of the FIFA Forward Enterprise subsidiary, if approved by a majority of members, promises each federation $20 million in funding tied to the 2030 men's World Cup, with J.P. Morgan set to lead the process of attracting diverse international investors.

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the World Cup is not FIFA’s to sell.