World Leagues Association urges FIFA to withdraw World Cup sell-off plan

FIFA is pushing to secure private investment in its new commercial subsidiary by the end of October, according to documents obtained by the Press Association, as opposition from European football's governing body and major leagues intensifies over a proposal critics say threatens the soul of the sport.sports.yahoo

The plan, unveiled by FIFA President Gianni Infantino on July 22, would create a new entity called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) to manage all commercial operations for FIFA's tournaments, including the men's and women's World Cups and the Club World Cup. FIFA aims to raise up to $4.2 billion by selling a 20 percent minority stake at an initial valuation of $20 billion.dw+2

The Timeline and Investors

Documents outline an accelerated timeline: investors would receive term sheets and materials in August, submit letters of intent in September, and agree on binding bids in October, with funds transferred by month's end. A consortium led by Thrive Eternal, a permanent capital holding company founded by Joshua Kushner — brother of Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's son-in-law — is expected to spearhead the investor group. JPMorgan ↘ 1.71% is engaged as an adviser on the deal.fortune+3

FIFA's 211 member associations have until September 19 to indicate support for the proposal, which could unlock up to $20 million each in development funding starting January 1, 2027.sports.yahoo

Fierce Opposition

UEFA responded by accusing FIFA of attempting to sell something it does not own. "This crosses a line that football's governing institutions should never cross," UEFA said in a statement. "The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade. None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA's to sell".espn+1

UEFA has convened an emergency meeting of its 55 member associations to discuss the proposal. The EU's sports commissioner, Glenn Micallef, warned that the plan could breach EU competition law. On Thursday, the World Leagues Association, chaired by Premier League chief executive Richard Masters, called on FIFA to withdraw the plan entirely, arguing that FIFA has "a responsibility to safeguard the balance between national, continental and world competitions".hollywoodreporter+3

What's at Stake

FIFA insists it would retain sole control of FFE and exclusive authority over football governance, competition scheduling, and regulatory decisions. But opponents fear that investors' drive to maximize returns will inevitably lead to expanded competitions and further disruption to already congested football calendars. A previous Infantino-backed plan for $25 billion in private investment in an expanded Club World Cup was rejected by a FIFA stakeholders' committee in 2019.lemonde+2