ZURICH: The future of football’s biggest tournament could be heading toward a major transformation as FIFA explores a multibillion-dollar investment plan that would allow private investors to buy stakes in a new company managing the World Cup and other major events.
Under the proposed arrangement, FIFA would create a new commercial entity, FIFA Forward Enterprise, valued at around $20 billion, which would oversee the World Cup and other major competitions. FIFA would retain a majority stake in the company, while minority shares worth billions of dollars would be offered to private investors.
Reports suggest that preliminary agreements on the structure of the deal have already been discussed, while US investment bank JP Morgan is reportedly managing the transaction process. FIFA’s 211 member associations are also expected to receive stakes as part of the proposed arrangement, which still requires approval from member nations.
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The proposed investor group is expected to be led by a vehicle founded by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Jared Kushner, who is the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, according to FIFA.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has backed the proposal, saying the plan aims to increase investment in football and ensure that the sport’s commercial growth benefits teams, players, and football communities worldwide.
“Football is the world’s most popular sport,” Infantino said, adding that FIFA’s role is to support sustainable and inclusive development across the globe.
FIFA said it would continue to maintain full control over football governance, competitions, match calendars, and regulatory decisions, even if the investment plan moves forward.
However, the proposal has triggered strong criticism from several football stakeholders, particularly the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), which warned against turning football’s core structures into commercial assets.
UEFA said the proposal “crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross,” raising concerns over transparency and the future direction of the sport.
Critics have also expressed concerns that the deal could lead to major changes in the international football calendar, including the possibility of an expanded World Cup or a more frequent tournament cycle.
The plan comes after FIFA hosted its largest-ever World Cup, a 48-team tournament held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The organisation generates billions of dollars through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and commercial partnerships linked to its events.
FIFA said the revenue generated through the proposed entity would be reinvested into football development, expanding access to the sport and supporting global participation.
The proposal now depends on approval from FIFA’s 211 member associations, while debate continues over whether the move represents a new financial opportunity for football or a threat to its traditional governance structure.
