Gianni Infantino 'planning to sell stakes' in FIFA World Cup to private investors

FIFA generated a record $15 billion from the 2026 World Cup!

The recent edition of the quadrennial tournament was jointly hosted by Canada, Mexico and the USA. It had the most teams (48) to ever feature in a World Cup. A total of 104 matches were contested to determine the winner.

Many records were broken during the FIFA World Cup 2026. It was not just the players, but the supporters also played a major role in doing so. The flagship tournament saw attendance and viewership records shattered. Despite the high cost of tickets, the mega competition proved to be a massive success. Packed stadiums and an electrifying atmosphere were quite notable.

Social media sensations like IShowSpeed collaborated with FIFA and came up with his full reactions during the most important matches. Top stars and musicians performed during the opening and closing ceremonies of the World Cup. Although the closing ceremony during the halftime of the FIFA World Cup final was highly criticised, the organisation itself benefited in terms of revenue.

Also Read: Gianni Infantino praises Argentina’s ‘professionalism’ in LEAKED letter despite FIFA investigation

World Cup for sale?

As per the recent reports, FIFA President Gianni Infantino might be looking into a proposal which would allow private investors to buy stakes in a new company. This will also give them full control of FIFA’s flagship competitions (FIFA World Cup and FIFA Club World Cup) in the future.

Infantino’s current term as FIFA President will end in 2031 and he wants the private organisations to take control of the World Cup after that. This reported deal will help Gianni Infantino earn tens of millions of pounds and is being discussed with the administration of Donald Trump.

The Times have reported, “FIFA would keep majority control, private investors would purchase 20% to 30% for billions of dollars, and FIFA’s 211 member nations would share the remaining 20%.”

“Each member association would receive a stake worth around $20 million (£15 million), which they could hold or sell for immediate cash, a move designed to win their support for the proposal.”

UEFA statement

This decision is all set to face a backlash from the fans all around the world. The UEFA President, Aleksander Čeferin, is already disappointed as Gianni Infantino plans to sell World Cup stakes.

“This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. 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,” said Aleksander Čeferin.

FIFA in talks with Josh Kushner

FIFA have now confirmed to The Times that Infantino’s plan is under discussion with Josh Kushner as the proposed lead investor.

More to follow.

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