FIFA President Gianni Infantino has unveiled a sweeping $20 billion plan to privatize the organization’s flagship World Cup tournament through a new subsidiary called the FIFA Forward Enterprise.
The proposal, which would carve out a 20 percent stake for private investors, is being led by a New York‑based firm that counts Joshua Kushner, the brother‑in‑law of former U.S. President Donald Trump, among its backers.
The scheme has already sparked a protest from within FIFA’s own ranks; senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro tendered his resignation, calling the arrangement “a bad deal for football” and insisting he had never been consulted about the secretive plan.
Escalating Criticism
European and continental governing bodies have joined the chorus of dissent, with UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation issuing statements that label the privatization effort as flawed, unnecessary and lacking proper governance oversight.
The backlash intensified after the 2026 World Cup, co‑hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada, concluded with Spain edging Argentina 1‑0 in extra time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, a match that was praised for its record attendance and vibrant atmosphere.
In the wake of the tournament’s success, FIFA has attempted to downplay the controversy, blaming media coverage for disrupting its consultation timeline and promising member votes will be based on factual evidence.
Nevertheless, a growing coalition of 211 national associations now opposes the privatization, reflecting a broad‑based unease that could reshape the competition’s future.