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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedJuly 31, 2026United States

FIFA Faces Global Backlash Over $20 Billion World Cup Investment Plan

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing widespread opposition from major soccer confederations regarding a proposal to sell a 20% stake in a $20 billion commercial subsidiary to private investors. The plan has triggered the resignation of a senior adviser and threats of boycotts from European, North American, and Asian soccer bodies.

FIFAWorld CupSports GovernancePrivate EquityInternational Relations
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Why It Matters

The proposed sale of World Cup commercial rights to , including a firm backed by Joshua Kushner, faces potential collapse as the majority of FIFA's 211 member nations express opposition, threatening the future of upcoming international soccer events.

Key Facts

  • FIFA proposed spinning off commercial businesses into a $20 billion subsidiary with 20% ownership sold to private investors.
  • The 'anchor investor' for the plan is a New York-based firm backed by Joshua Kushner.
  • Carlos Cordeiro, FIFA senior adviser and former U.S. Soccer Federation president, resigned citing the plan as a 'bad deal for football'.
  • UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation have all formally opposed the investment plan.
  • The opposing confederations represent a near-majority of FIFA's 211 member countries.
  • FIFA offered $20 million one-off payments to member federations, which was rejected by CONCACAF.
  • UEFA has threatened to boycott all FIFA games and events until the plan is dropped.
  • The Asian Football Confederation called for an urgent review of FIFA's governance and decision-making framework.
  • FIFA set a Nov. 18 deadline for presidential candidates to declare for the election scheduled for next March in Rabat, Morocco.
  • The next major FIFA event, the Women’s Under-20 World Cup, is scheduled to begin in Poland on Sept. 5.
  • A decision on the host for the 2035 Women’s World Cup is due on Nov. 23.

Who's Mentioned

organizationUEFA“European soccer body threatening to boycott FIFA events.”personGianni Infantino“FIFA President facing internal and external pressure regarding the investment pl”organizationCONCACAF“North American soccer body that rejected the investment proposal.”organizationAsian Football Confederation“Asian soccer body that joined the opposition against the investment plan.”organizationFIFA“Global soccer governing body proposing the commercial subsidiary.”personJoshua Kushner“Backer of the investment firm identified as the 'anchor investor' for the FIFA s”personCarlos Cordeiro“Former senior adviser to Infantino who resigned in protest of the investment pla”