Gianni Infantino reportedly has plans for World Cup finances. His reported proposal has drawn attention from FIFA and UEFA, leading to tensions. The reports have sparked debate over the future control of the world’s biggest sporting competitions.
Gianni Infantino, FIFA and UEFA clash over the future of World Cup finances
Gianni Infantino is reportedly planning to market a stake in the World Cup to private investors, which could earn him millions. According to The Times, the move would allow the new company to oversee top competitions including the World Cup and Club World Cup.
Joshua Kushner is reportedly among the potential investors interested in buying the stake. The plan would involve distributing stakes estimated at $20 million (£15m) to each of FIFA’s 211 member associations. Once his final term, potentially ending in 2031, he will be the group’s commissioner.
Additionally, reports by talkSPORT claim that the plan has allegedly been discussed with people close to Donald Trump.
Soon after the reports emerged, UEFA issued a statement opposing the plan. The statement read, “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 UEFA.
Gianni Infantino’s reported plan involving Kushner, who is Trump’s son-in-law’s brother, has raised concerns. Infantino has been at the center of controversies during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when Trump admitted to asking him to review a decision.
Neither Infantino addressed the reported plans, nor Kushner made any public comment regarding alleged interest in buying stakes.
LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT GIANNI INFANTINO’S PLAN TO SELL WORLD CUP MARKET STAKES.
Originally reported by Aman Sharma for Reality Tea
