Infantino Scraps World Cup Privatisation Plan Amidst Widespread Opposition
FIFA President withdraws FFE proposal after Uefa, Concacaf, and AFC threaten boycotts, exposing deep divisions within global football governance.
Carla Rooney
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has abandoned his controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.
A proposal to sell a 20% stake in a new entity, Football Equity Fund (FFE), to private investors, led by Joshua Kushner's Thrive Eternal, ignited the crisis.
This initiative targeted smaller nations, offering $40 million for backing and $10 million for rejection; it drew immediate and sharp criticism from within FIFA itself.
Kevin Lamour, FIFA chief operating officer, publicly criticized the FFE process. AFC president Sheikh Salman bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa branded FIFA's lack of consultation as 'totally unacceptable'.
Uefa issued a scathing statement, condemning 'secret schemes on fast track timescales' and demanding immediate accountability from the organization.
We cannot keep going on like this with secret schemes on fast track timescales, cooked up by faceless individuals and of dubious benefit to the game. We must identify those responsible and hold them to account.
Carlos Cordeiro, Infantino's senior adviser, resigned amidst the escalating controversy.
Uefa, AFC, and Concacaf collectively represent a formidable voting bloc of around 150 member associations; this unified front proved decisive against the FFE initiative.
Uefa explicitly stated, "The current FIFA leadership has not only lost UEFA’s confidence but also that of many other members of the football family."
Concacaf has called for a 'full review' into FIFA's leadership, intensifying pressure on Infantino. His rival, Uefa president Alexander Ceferin, continues to exert significant influence.
Concacaf president Victor Montagliani reportedly considers a challenge to Infantino's leadership. Legia Warsaw owner Dariusz Mioduski is also being explored as a potential candidate by some Uefa members.
FIFA's presidential election is scheduled for March, with nominations due in November, setting the stage for potential leadership changes within the organization.
Uefa pledged to devise a new method for distributing FIFA's wealth, indicating a desire for reform in financial transparency and allocation. FIFA's financial reserves exceed five billion US dollars.
The 2034 World Cup bidding process concluded with Saudi Arabia's candidature receiving approval in December 2024, a major decision that occurred under the current leadership.
Arsene Wenger holds the influential role of FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development. This position is critical in shaping the sport's future and adds another layer to the organizational dynamics.
The money of Fifa is your money. It’s not the money of the Fifa president. It’s your money. You are the national associations and the money of Fifa has to serve for the development of football and not for anything else.
Despite these assurances, the withdrawal of the FFE plan and the ongoing calls for review mark a period of significant internal strife.
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