'Stink bomb': Former FA boss Gallop lashes Infantino over World Cup rights sale plan

Former Football Federation Australia CEO David Gallop has sharply criticized FIFA President Gianni Infantino's controversial proposal to sell a stake in the commercial rights of major tournaments, including the World Cup, to private investors. Gallop likened the plan to "letting off a stink bomb" in a pub, suggesting it was so poorly conceived that people "ran screaming."

“

It's gone down like a lead balloon.

Gallop, a prominent figure in Australian sports administration, expressed his view that Infantino's proposal, known as the FIFA Forward Enterprise, has put the FIFA president under significant pressure. The plan reportedly involved transferring commercial rights to a private company and selling a 20 percent stake valued at $20 billion. Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, was rumored to be among the private equity figures involved.

“

It's so far off passing the pub test that I think it's like he let off a stink bomb in the middle of the pub and people ran screaming, leaving half a schooner behind.

Speaking to 7.30, Gallop questioned the rationale behind the proposed sale, especially given FIFA's reported $5 billion in cash reserves. He emphasized that any decision to sell such significant assets requires strong, compelling reasons and a clear understanding of the financial benefits versus what would be relinquished. Gallop stated that the idea of private investors profiting from the game was clearly unpopular.

“

He's definitely under pressure now … to throw out an idea like this that's gone down so badly.

While not inherently opposed to privatization, Gallop stressed the need for a robust strategic and financial justification. He cautioned against actions that might provide a "one-off sugar hit of capital" at the expense of the sport's long-term sustainability. The proposal offered FIFA's 211 member federations a one-time payment of $20 million each, but Gallop suggested this was insufficient justification for selling off valuable assets, particularly when FIFA is not financially desperate.

“

Anytime you sell anything, you need to have good, compelling reasons, but particularly so when it comes to something like the World Cup and ... sport in general.