FIFA proposes plan to sell stakes in the World Cup, angering UEFA
FIFA has proposed selling minority stakes of up to 20 percent in the World Cup and other events through a $20 billion subsidiary, aiming to raise up to $4.2 billion. The plan requires approval from FIFA's 211 member nations and has drawn strong opposition from UEFA, which argues that football's governance should not be treated as a tradable asset.
Football's international governing body has unveiled a proposal to monetize its flagship competitions by creating a new subsidiary entity valued at $20 billion. Under the structure, FIFA would establish FIFA Forward Enterprise to oversee World Cup operations and related events while retaining majority ownership. The organization plans to offer minority stakes to external investors, with the goal of generating up to $4.2 billion in capital.
According to FIFA's announcement, the investment vehicle would be led by an entity founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner. The proposal requires ratification by FIFA's 211 member nations before proceeding. FIFA maintains that the initiative would strengthen the sport globally by directing net proceeds back into football development and expanding access to the game across underserved regions.
The announcement has triggered significant backlash from UEFA, European football's governing body, which characterized the proposal as crossing fundamental lines regarding football's institutional integrity. UEFA emphasized that governance and the sport itself should not be treated as commercial commodities available for sale, particularly without transparent disclosure of financial beneficiaries.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino framed the proposal as necessary to ensure the sport's commercial success translates into broader development. He stated that FIFA's mandate includes supporting sustainable and inclusive growth worldwide. However, critics including political figures have argued that the World Cup represents a shared cultural asset that should not be subject to privatization or investor ownership.
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