FIFA president Gianni Infantino has warned England and other member associations that they have only 53 days to sign up to his World Cup sell-off plan or risk receiving a reduced funding package. The deadline is set for September 19, 2026.
FIFA's proposal and financial incentives
Infantino is spearheading a plan to sell stakes in the World Cup by establishing a new company called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would oversee commercial rights for every tournament. FIFA's 211 member associations, including the English Football Association, have been promised windfalls of up to $40 million (£30.1 million) each if they agree to the proposal by the deadline.
In a letter sent to FIFA's member associations, Infantino vowed that a $10 billion (£7.5 billion) funding package would be available if the plan is approved, but that figure would drop to $2.7 billion (£2 billion) if it is rejected. 'It is my duty and responsibility as FIFA president to present such game-changing opportunities to you, our members,' Infantino wrote. 'Should you wish to proceed, this $10 billion package will become available as of January 1, 2027, ushering in the next phase of our journey together. Should you wish to retain the status quo and reject this proposal, we still have our planned expansion of the Forward programme [development money] of $2.7 billion as previously presented.'
UEFA's opposition and emergency meeting
UEFA is now planning an emergency meeting with its 55 member associations this week to discuss the proposal. In its initial statement on Tuesday, UEFA heavily criticised FIFA's plan to sell off parts of the World Cup. 'This crosses a line that football's governing institutions should never cross,' UEFA's statement said. 'UEFA takes it extremely seriously. So should every National Football Association. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game. The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade — especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA's to sell.'
Concerns over private investment and governance
FIFA's aim is to increase revenue from future World Cup and Club World Cup tournaments. The plan involves FIFA setting up FFE to handle commercial operations, with FIFA retaining the majority share to maintain control over football governance, fixture calendars, and on-pitch decisions. However, the problem arises from FIFA's attempt to raise an additional $4.2 billion (£3.6 million) through private investment. Although private investors would only hold a minority stake in FFE, they would still expect to have a say in decisions related to the World Cup, potentially impacting players and supporters. Private investors could also pressure FIFA into expanding the World Cup or hosting the tournament more frequently than every four years.
Infantino's ties to US investment firm
Infantino's close relationship with United States President Donald Trump came under scrutiny during the World Cup. The World Cup proposal is backed by US investment firm Thrive Capital, which was founded by Joshua Kushner, whose brother Jared is a son-in-law of Trump.
FA's response and concerns
The Football Association (FA) says it is 'deeply concerned' by Infantino's proposal. 'We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached,' the FA's statement read. 'Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved. When the proposal is shared in the full and transparent way now promised by FIFA, we will make our views clear, and comment further.'
