**FIFA Proposes Controversial Plan to Sell Stakes in World Cup, Sparking Outrage from UEFA**
FIFA has put forward a contentious proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup and other major events to private investors, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from UEFA, the governing body of European football. The announcement was made on July 29, 2026, and has already stirred significant debate within the football community.
Under the proposed plan, FIFA aims to establish a subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise, which would oversee the management of the World Cup and additional events. The organization intends to retain a majority share in this new entity while offering minority stakes to external investors, with the goal of raising up to $4.2 billion. According to FIFA, this initiative is designed to generate additional funds that would be reinvested in football, thereby enhancing global participation and widening access to the sport.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino emphasized the importance of this proposal, stating, “Football is the world’s most popular sport. Parts of the game have turned that popularity into remarkable commercial value... Our job is to make sure the rest of football grows with it.” Infantino highlighted that the net benefits from this investment would be directed back into the sport to support sustainable and inclusive development worldwide.
The proposed investor group is expected to be led by a vehicle founded by Joshua Kushner, who is notably the brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump. This connection has added a layer of complexity to the proposal, raising questions about the influence of private interests in the governance of the sport.
However, UEFA has responded vehemently to FIFA's plan, asserting that it “crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross.” In a statement, UEFA urged all stakeholders—including national football associations, leagues, clubs, players, and supporters—to take the proposal seriously, emphasizing that the governance and essence of football should not be treated as commodities. UEFA's position reflects a broader concern that the financialization of football could undermine the sport's integrity and accessibility.
The proposal has also garnered criticism from political figures. Andy Burnham, the newly appointed Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, voiced his disapproval on social media, stating, “The World Cup is not a product. It is the greatest competition in world sport, and it was never anyone’s to sell.” Burnham's comments resonate with a growing sentiment among football fans and stakeholders who believe that the commercialization of the sport could lead to a loss of its cultural and social significance.
FIFA's plan comes on the heels of the recently concluded 48-team World Cup, which was held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, marking the largest tournament in the event's history. As one of the wealthiest sporting organizations globally, FIFA generates substantial revenue through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and other commercial deals linked to the World Cup. Despite this financial success, FIFA argues that the proposed investment strategy is necessary to ensure the sport's continued growth and accessibility.
The proposal is still subject to a vote by FIFA’s 211 member nations, and the outcome remains uncertain. If approved, it could significantly alter the landscape of international football governance and finance, potentially leading to further tensions between FIFA and UEFA.
As the football community grapples with the implications of this proposal, the debate over the commercialization of the sport is likely to intensify. Stakeholders across the spectrum will need to consider the balance between financial investment and the preservation of football's core values as they navigate this evolving landscape.