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'Total conflict': Infantino sets deadline for controversial FIFA scheme

From ABC Australia · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified New plan
  • FIFA President Gianni Infantino has set a September 19 deadline for member federations to accept a $20 million offer tied to a $20 billion project involving private investors.
  • The plan, which aims to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, has drawn strong opposition from European soccer body UEFA.
  • The initiative is reportedly backed by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, and has faced criticism, with UEFA stating the World Cup is "not FIFA's to sell."

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has issued a firm deadline of September 19 for the organization's 211 member federations to decide on a controversial proposal. The plan involves a one-off payment of $US20 million ($28.7 million) to each federation as part of a massive $US20 billion project to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

The initiative, which would establish a new FIFA subsidiary partially owned by private investors to manage the body's competitions, has ignited fierce opposition from international soccer organizations. European soccer body UEFA is reportedly planning an emergency online meeting for its 55 member federations to discuss the scheme, which it claims faces "significant and growing opposition."

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

— Gianni InfantinoIn a letter to member federations explaining the proposed funding opportunity.

The project is reportedly being financed by Thrive Capital, an investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, who is a former advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump. This association has drawn attention, as Infantino has been observed making efforts to align with figures connected to Trump, including establishing a FIFA peace prize and allowing Trump to influence player eligibility for the World Cup.

there is significant and growing opposition to FIFA's scheme

— UEFAStated by the European soccer body regarding the proposed investment plan.

Infantino outlined the proposal in a letter to member federations, describing it as a "singular and unique funding opportunity" to create a subsidiary that would run events like the World Cups. However, UEFA has strongly condemned the plan, with the organization stating unequivocally that "the World Cup is not FIFA's to sell."

This proposal has reignited tensions between FIFA and UEFA, recalling a similar conflict in 2021 when European opposition successfully halted Infantino's plan for a biennial World Cup. European soccer federations are considering tactics, including the threat of boycotting FIFA competitions, to counter this latest move.

the World Cup is not FIFA's to sell

— UEFAA statement from the European soccer body criticizing FIFA's plan to sell stakes in the World Cup.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Australia. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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