Infantino Sparks Controversy With Investment Plan

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is reportedly spearheading a significant restructuring of the organization's commercial rights, a move that has ignited controversy within the football world. International media reports suggest Infantino is preparing a radical reform of commercial rights for FIFA competitions, with speculation that private investors, reportedly linked to former U.S. President Donald Trump's circle, might be involved.

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FIFA will retain a majority stake in this company, while between 20 and 30 percent of its capital will be offered to private investors, in a transaction estimated at around 17.3 billion euros.

The proposed plan, as detailed by "Foot Mercato" and corroborated by reports in The Times and The Telegraph, involves establishing a new company to manage the commercial rights for both men's and women's World Cups, as well as the Club World Cup. FIFA would retain a majority stake, but 20-30% of the new entity's capital would be offered to private investors. This stake is valued at approximately 17.3 billion euros, potentially marking one of the largest financial deals in sports history.

Concerns are mounting that this strategic shift could prioritize commercial gains over the integrity of the sport. Critics, including some officials quoted anonymously, fear that the new investors might push for more frequent World Cups or further expansion of the tournament, which already increased to 48 teams. There is also apprehension that future host nation selections could be based primarily on commercial potential rather than the quality of bids, a prospect some have deemed "far worse than the European Super League project" and a "nuclear bomb" threatening global football.

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The new shareholders could push FIFA to organize the World Cup more frequently or to continue expanding the tournament after raising the number of participating teams to 48, in pursuit of a greater return on their investments.

Adding to the controversy, reports indicate that Infantino himself could potentially lead the new company after his FIFA presidency concludes in 2031, possibly as commissioner or CEO. This role could command an annual salary of around 55 million euros, a substantial increase from his current FIFA earnings. This possibility has intensified accusations of a conflict of interest, particularly following the already contentious 2026 World Cup.

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Some officials consider this reform to be "much worse than the European Super League project," describing it as a "nuclear bomb" threatening world football.

Under the proposed structure, FIFA's 211 member associations would each receive a share in the new company, estimated at 17 million euros. These associations would have the option to retain their shares or sell them for additional revenue. This distribution is seen by some as a strategy to facilitate the plan's approval at the FIFA congress, with indications that preliminary agreements may have already been reached. Among the potential investors mentioned are J.P. Morgan and Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner.

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FIFA will retain a majority stake in this company, while between 20 and 30 percent of its capital will be offered to private investors, in a transaction estimated at around 17.3 billion euros.