The Rise and Fall of a Controversial Deal
FIFA chief Gianni Infantino had announced a bold initiative to monetize the organization’s future World Cup earnings by offering a 20% stake to private investors, a move that would have unlocked roughly $4.2 billion and involved partners such as Thrive Eternal led by Joshua Kushner.
The plan envisioned a new commercial arm called FIFA Forward Enterprise, which would have overseen broadcasting, sponsorship and hospitality deals, while promising each of the 211 member federations a doubled financial grant that would rise to $24 million by 2038.
European football’s governing body, UEFA, quickly mobilised opposition, declaring it would boycott any FIFA tournament unless the scheme was abandoned, citing concerns that the extra commercial pressure could jeopardise domestic league revenues.
Within FIFA, senior officials including former Goldman Sachs banker Carlos Cordeiro tendered resignations, and the organisation’s chief operating officer Kevin Lamour issued a public critique, describing the scheme as a misstep that threatened the sport’s integrity.
The backlash was not limited to Europe; U.S. President Donald Trump said he had never discussed the arrangement with Infantino, while CONMEBOL’s leadership indicated it would study the proposal before taking a stance. The episode also reignited debate over Infantino’s potential extension beyond 2031 and the prospect of a salary that could exceed his current $6 million annual compensation.
With the deadline for new presidential candidates set for November 18 and the election scheduled for March in Rabat, Morocco, the fallout leaves Infantino’s future at the helm of world football uncertain, even as his supporters in Africa remain silent.