FIFA's World Cup Privatization Plan Faces UEFA Boycott and Political Scrutiny
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has suggested divesting a 21% share in FIFA Forward Enterprises (FFE) for $4.2 billion, with the goal of raising $20 billion for World Cup initiatives. The primary investor in this venture is Thrive Eternal, headed by Joshua Kushner. If the proposal receives approval within five weeks, it will allocate $40 million to FIFA's 211 member associations. However, UEFA, which represents 55 European associations, has declared a boycott of FIFA events, asserting that the World Cup is 'not for sale.' Additionally, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation have also opposed the proposal. US Representative Jamie Raskin labeled FIFA as 'Trump's favourite corrupt racketeering enterprise.' Approval from national associations and FIFA's council is necessary within the five-week timeframe.
Key facts
- FIFA plans to sell a 21% stake in new entity FIFA Forward Enterprises (FFE) for $4.2 billion, valuing the World Cup at $20 billion.
- Lead investor is Thrive Eternal, a private equity fund founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner.
- UEFA has announced a boycott of all FIFA competitions if the plan proceeds, with its 55 member associations united in opposition.
- Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) have also rejected the proposal.
- FIFA is offering each of its 211 member associations a one-off payment of $40 million if a majority approve the plan within five weeks.
- US Representative Jamie Raskin has criticized the plan, calling FIFA 'Donald Trump's favourite corrupt racketeering enterprise.'
- The 2026 World Cup saw controversies including denial of entry to Somali referee Omar Artan and barring the Iranian national team from staying overnight in the US.
- Carlos Cordeiro, senior advisor to Infantino, resigned in protest over the plan.
Entities
Artists
- Gianni Infantino
- Donald Trump
- Jared Kushner
- Joshua Kushner
- Jamie Raskin
- Carlos Cordeiro
- Sepp Blatter
- Nasser al-Khelaifi
- Folarin Balogun
- Omar Artan
Institutions
- FIFA
- UEFA
- Concacaf
- Asian Football Confederation (AFC)
- FIFA Forward Enterprises (FFE)
- Thrive Eternal
- JP Morgan
- House of Representatives Judiciary Committee
- Politico
- Sky News
- The Times of London
- City Football Group
- BlueCo
- Ineos
- Los Angeles FC
- UFC
- WWE
- Major League Baseball
- Washington Commanders
- LA Lakers
- European Super League
- Board of Peace
Locations
- United States
- Washington
- Miami
- Trump Tower
- Argentina
- Spain
- Iran
- Somalia
- Cape Verde
- Curacao
- Jordan
- Uzbekistan
- Indonesia
- Gaza
- Israel
- Cuba
- Qatar
- Europe