Infantino Under Fire Again: FIFA Reportedly Planned New World Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is once again at the center of controversy, with reports emerging of discussions with private investors to develop a new U15 global football competition. The project, inspired by the popular Little League World Series in the United States, aimed to create a youth football festival with significant commercial and media potential.

According to reports, FIFA began exploring the organization of a World Cup for players under 15 years old last year. These discussions reportedly involved ESPN for broadcasting rights and even considered opening ceremonies at Disney theme parks. A detailed proposal for an initial version of the competition, exclusively for boys, was prepared by a group of businessmen.

While talks for this specific project have reportedly been suspended, key figures were allegedly involved. Infantino is said to have enlisted former Mexican Football Federation president Juan Carlos Rodriguez, and the project reportedly had the backing of Eldridge Industries, managed by Todd Boehly, who also owns Chelsea Football Club. FIFA, ESPN, and Rodriguez have declined to comment on the allegations.