A major scandal is brewing in global football after FIFA's leadership revealed plans to sell World Cup rights to private investors. This was reported by NUR.KZ and Sports.ru, as cited by infohub.kz.
Gianni Infantino is exploring the creation of a separate company to organize World Cups and sell its shares, backed by Donald Trump's inner circle.
According to The Times, as reported by the outlets, FIFA's plan is to create a company to manage its key assets: the men's World Cup, the women's World Cup, and the Club World Cup. The report says that individuals close to the Trump administration were consulted on the project.
FIFA has officially confirmed the information.
"The investment group is expected to be led by Thrive Capital, founded by Joshua Kushner, the younger brother of Jared Kushner, Donald Trump's son-in-law, who is now known as a peace negotiator on behalf of the United States," the publication said.
Under the plan, each of FIFA's 211 national associations and members would receive a stake worth approximately $20 million. Associations could either retain it or sell it to obtain immediate additional revenue.
Sources told The Times that after his final presidential term, Infantino is expected to be appointed commissioner of the new company. He is likely to be re-elected unopposed as FIFA president until 2031, but beyond that, options remain open — including a new role.
But UEFA has already strongly opposed the piecemeal sale of the World Cup.
"This crosses a line that football's governing bodies should never cross. UEFA takes this with the utmost seriousness. So should all national football associations. So should all stakeholders: leagues, clubs, players, fans, governments, and everyone who cares about the future of football. The soul and governance structure of football are not assets to be traded, especially with a complete lack of transparency over who stands to benefit financially. None of us own football. And FIFA has no right to sell it," UEFA responded.
British politician Andy Burnham also responded promptly.
"Football does not belong to investors. It belongs to the people who fill the stands every week, in any weather, rain or shine, standing on the sidelines supporting their teams. The World Cup is not a commodity. It is the greatest competition in world sport, and it has never belonged to anyone enough to be sold. Call this deal what you want, but sell even a part of it and you betray everything. Football belongs to the fans. It always has, and it always will," he said.