Gianni Infantino Plans to Sell World Cup Stake to Private Investors
Gianni Infantino Plans to Sell World Cup Stake to Private Investors
US · Published Jul 29, 2026
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is reportedly planning to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, including Joshua Kushner, through his firm Thrive Capital, according to Yahoo Sports. The proposal involves creating a new company to manage FIFA's top tournaments, including the men's and women's World Cups and the Club World Cup. FIFA's 211 member associations and private investors would hold stakes in the company, with FIFA retaining majority ownership. Infantino is expected to lead the company as commissioner after his term as FIFA president ends in
The plan aims to generate significant revenue, with FIFA estimating $15 billion for the 2022-2026 cycle.

Impact & Risks

The plan has sparked controversy, with UEFA and other stakeholders expressing strong opposition. Critics argue that the move could compromise the integrity of football by prioritizing profit over the sport's values. There are also concerns about transparency, as FIFA has required non-disclosure agreements from involved parties. Smaller nations may feel pressured to sell their stakes, potentially leading to private entities gaining disproportionate control. This could result in changes to the tournament's structure, such as more frequent World Cups, to maximize profits.

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