Fifa President Gianni Infantino, now a decade into his leadership, is championing what he terms the “democratisation of football.” However, his administration's audacious proposal to divest stakes in its premier competitions, notably the World Cup, to private investors linked with US President Donald Trump, has ignited a firestorm of “incredulity and rage” across fans, political spheres, and regional governing bodies. This represents the “boldest move” of his time in charge, by an administrator who perceives himself as a global leader akin to presidents and prime ministers.
At the heart of Infantino’s pitch is a promise: a substantial $20m (£15m) in funding for every Fifa member country, earmarked to “develop the game” upon the deal's conclusion. If successful, this transformative initiative could solidify his long-term authority and enrich investors.
The momentum behind Infantino’s controversial vision suggests its approval is more probable than not. Since his election in 2016, the Fifa president has cultivated “long-standing, widespread backing” from numerous nations across Africa, Asia, and the Americas. These regions have seen financial benefits from his policies, including the World Cup's expansion to 48 teams, a surge in Fifa's commercial and broadcast revenues, and an annual program distributing millions directly to member countries. This robust support base comprises “more than half of Fifa's 211 members,” providing the simple majority required for the plan's enactment. For many nations, particularly those further down the football hierarchy, a £15m windfall represents a sum exceeding what they might accrue over “several years.”
This extensive support has seemingly emboldened Infantino's presidential style, evident in decisions like introducing hydration breaks and a musical half-time show to the World Cup without member votes – moves considered “unthinkable” a decade prior. Crucially, his “close relationship” with US President Trump plays a pivotal role. The investment fund, Thrive Capital, involved in the deal, is helmed by Josh Kushner, brother-in-law to Trump's daughter, Ivanka. This partnership culminates years of Infantino's “overt attempts” to strengthen his and Fifa's ties with Trump, including awarding him a Peace Prize, establishing a Fifa office in Trump Tower, New York, and permitting the Club World Cup trophy to reside in the Oval Office. He even laughed during Trump's inauguration speech, which included threats to World Cup co-hosts Canada and Mexico. Just last week, Infantino echoed Trump's rhetoric, describing critics of World Cup organisation as “so consumed by hate and criticism.” This collaboration with Trump associates strategically leverages a cultivated bond, promising mutual benefits.
Despite Fifa's unilateral discussions about the potential sell-off – a move that has “generated anger” among nations and regions feeling excluded – the likelihood of Infantino being unseated by this “significant element of risk” remains “slim,” given his entrenched support elsewhere.
Should the plan gain approval, Fifa anticipates a “huge influx of cash,” with national federations slated to receive their allocated proportion from “1 January 2027,” as detailed in a letter from Infantino. In this correspondence, he assured members: “The decision whether or not to proceed with this proposal belongs entirely to you,” and “In exchange, all that is required is your trust - everything else remains the same.” While this presents an immediate financial boon, future World Cups are projected to generate “significantly more money” than their predecessors. Selling stakes now means private investors will reap the benefits of this future growth, rather than Fifa and football solely. As a “non-profit organisation under Swiss law,” Fifa's theoretical mandate is the “long-term wellbeing of football,” not profit. Arguably, the primary beneficiaries of this scheme would be “some of the smaller football nations, the private investors, and Infantino.”
Miguel Maduro, former chairman of Fifa's governance committee, who reportedly resigned after 10 months due to disagreements with Infantino and Fifa leadership, voiced strong concerns. He stated: “What we know so far about how some national federations spend their money raises a lot of doubts about whether the money reaches the levels of football which Fifa promises.” Maduro further asserted that “Fifa works as a political cartel - it is fed and supported on a system of patronage, that works through the money Fifa distributes to national federations. There have been cases of corruption.” He concluded with a grim prediction: “There is a very high likelihood that this [proposal] will be approved. It is a form of legalised bribe.” BBC Sport has sought comment from Fifa regarding Maduro's assessment.
This strategy aligns with a growing trend in sports economics. Private equity investment has already “transformed sports in the USA,” with rule changes in baseball, basketball, American football, and ice hockey over the past decade facilitating minority investments and causing team values to “skyrocket.” European leagues, including La Liga and Ligue 1, have also divested portions of their operations to CVC Capital Partners for immediate capital. Infantino, therefore, is not charting entirely new territory but rather tapping into an established economic current, a move that could “further entrench his own power” if successful.
The proposed sell-off has intensified Infantino's existing friction with Uefa, European football's most influential and affluent regional body. Uefa President Aleksander Ceferin notably boycotted the World Cup final, protesting Fifa’s decision to reverse USA striker Folarin Balogun's suspension following an intervention from Trump. This followed Uefa's public stance against various Fifa policies, including dynamic ticket pricing and hydration breaks. A core point of contention is Fifa's revamped and expanded Club World Cup, which poses a “clear, direct threat” to Uefa's Champions League. Historically, Uefa was the sole organiser of international club competitions featuring top players, attracting billions of viewers and significant profits. Last summer, Fifa “muscled in” on this elite club football domain by incorporating teams from other continents.
While some national federations have expressed “anger” over learning of the plans only through Fifa's public announcement, it is “crucial” to note that many statements issued thus far have not “explicitly condemned the concept of the sell-off itself.”