The stakes for world football
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has unveiled a daring blueprint that would let private investors purchase stakes in the revenues generated by future World Cup tournaments, a move that could reshape the financial landscape of global soccer.
The scheme, dubbed FIFA Forward Enterprise, is backed by a fundraising target of $4.2 billion and is being pushed by an anchor investor called Thrive Eternal, a venture led by Joshua Kushner, the brother‑in‑law of former U.S. president Donald Trump.
Under the plan, each of FIFA’s 211 member associations would receive an initial payment of $20 million, with the promise of increasing amounts up to $24 million by 2038, a move that has been described as a “buy‑in” for political support.
European football’s governing body, UEFA, has responded by announcing a complete boycott of all FIFA competitions until Infantino abandons the proposal, citing concerns that private capital could force a reshaping of the global calendar and marginalise smaller federations.
The backlash has also reached inside FIFA’s own ranks; chief operating officer Kevin Lamour publicly criticised the plan, and senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned, calling the arrangement “bad” for the sport.
Africa’s 54 voting members have so far stayed neutral, while South America’s CONMEBOL has remained silent, leaving the ultimate fate of the proposal hanging in the balance as the sport prepares for its next presidential election.
Political tremors ahead of Rabat
The election is scheduled for 18 November in Rabat, Morocco, where Infantino could face a serious challenge; potential rivals include Paris Saint‑Germain president Nasser al‑Khelaïfi and Canadian FIFA vice‑president Victor Montagliani.
If the plan proceeds, it could create a permanent commissioner‑type role for Infantino beyond 2031 and potentially lift his salary above the current $6 million annual compensation, raising questions about the balance between commercial interests and sporting integrity.