In a decisive move, the United States has thrown its weight behind a growing rebellion against FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s scheme to sell commercial stakes in the upcoming World Cup. The proposition, which would allocate $40 million to each participating nation with a $20 million upfront payment, has been met with fierce resistance from both UEFA and Concacaf, the continental confederations that together represent the majority of FIFA’s 211 members.
Concacaf’s unified front
Concacaf, comprising 41 member associations including the United States, Canada and Mexico, issued a joint statement condemning the lack of transparency and due process in Infantino’s plan. The confederation emphasized that the proposal was being rushed forward with an unacceptably tight deadline, and it called for a more open governance framework before any financial arrangements could be finalized.
The stance of Concacaf was swiftly echoed by UEFA, which threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, if the scheme proceeded without substantial revisions. Together, the two bodies account for 96 of the 211 FIFA members who have now publicly rejected the proposal, signaling a significant erosion of Infantino’s influence.
Financial and political undercurrents
At the heart of the controversy lies a ambitious financial target: a $20 billion injection into FIFA Forward Enterprises (FFE), the commercial arm tasked with overseeing the deal. The backing of this initiative is reportedly provided by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, who is married to Trump’s daughter. This connection has drawn attention to the intertwining of sports governance with political networks, particularly given Donald Trump’s close relationship with Infantino during the World Cup selection process.
U.S. Soccer has publicly declared its support for Concacaf’s position, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to a transparent and accountable approach to World Cup planning. The collective opposition from the United States, Canada, Mexico and the broader Concacaf membership underscores a broader demand for robust governance that prioritizes the sport’s integrity over short‑term financial gains.