FIFA has unveiled a new initiative that would allow private investors to take stakes in the World Cup and other major tournaments. The plan involves creating a company called FIFA Forward Enterprise, which would be led by private investors including members of the Kushner family. The company would be responsible for managing the operational delivery of football competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups.
FIFA would maintain majority ownership of the company, but private investors could own between 20 and 30 percent of its shares. Each of FIFA’s 211 member associations would receive a stake worth around £15 million, which they could keep or sell to raise funds. The proposal is part of a broader strategy that also includes a new funding program called the FIFA Fast Forward Programme.
Under this program, all member associations would be eligible for up to £20 million in one-time funding. The plan has been met with swift and strong criticism from UEFA, which called it a betrayal of football’s core values. UEFA said the initiative crosses a line that governing bodies should never cross and warned it could lead to a boycott of future tournaments.
Political figures have also voiced concern, with the UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham calling the World Cup a competition that was never meant to be sold. Burnham said that once a piece of the game is sold, it is considered sold out and that football belongs to fans. The plan is not just controversial because of its financial nature but also due to the involvement of individuals close to former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Joshua Kushner, a partner in the investment firm Thrive Capital, is one of the key figures behind the proposal. Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, who was a close adviser to Trump during his presidency. The plan also includes a consultation process that will allow FIFA’s member associations to vote on the proposal before any final decision is made.
The consultation process is expected to take place ahead of the next FIFA Congress in March, which will be held in Morocco. FIFA has emphasized that investors would only hold minority stakes and would not be involved in the day-to-day operations of the tournaments. The company that would manage these rights is expected to be led by a group of investors, but FIFA itself will remain in control.
FIFA has also said that the plan is not meant to alter the frequency or format of the World Cup, but rather to increase investment in grassroots and women’s football. This is not the first time FIFA has proposed a similar plan, as it had previously discussed a $25 billion deal with SoftBank in 2018. That earlier proposal included the creation of new global competitions and was reportedly backed by Saudi Arabian funding.
The current plan is being presented as a way to boost financial support for football development around the world. However, critics argue that it undermines the integrity of football and its connection to fans. The idea of selling commercial rights to the World Cup has drawn comparisons to the privatization of other major sports.
Some experts have warned that such a move could lead to a loss of control over the sport’s future by its governing bodies. The plan has also raised concerns about transparency and who will benefit financially from the arrangement. FIFA has stated that it is open to innovative projects that can help grow football globally, but many are skeptical.
The reaction from fans and former players has been especially strong, with some calling the idea a threat to the soul of football. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter criticized the close relationship between Infantino and Trump, saying it has damaged football. There are also concerns that such a plan could lead to more strain on domestic leagues and players’ schedules.
The proposal has sparked debate about the future of football governance and whether it should remain under public control. FIFA has said that no final decisions have been made, and the plan is still in its early stages. The organization has also stated that it will continue to work with national associations and the FIFA Council to ensure transparency.
Despite these assurances, many remain unconvinced that private investment will benefit football in the long term. The issue has become a major point of contention within the football community, with calls for a return to traditional governance models. As FIFA continues its consultation process, it remains uncertain whether the plan will be approved or if opposition will lead to a major overhaul.
The debate over the future of football is far from over, and many are watching closely to see how FIFA proceeds.
IMAGE: Gianni Infantino during UEFA EURO 2012 qualifying play-offs draw, that took place in Sheraton Hotel in Cracow.. Photo: Piotr Drabik / Wikimedia, taken 2011-10-13, CC BY 2.0