FIFA controversy: UEFA blasts $20 billion World Cup plan, escalating tensions as the European football body launches a fierce attack on FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s proposal to create a $20 billion commercial company. UEFA has declared this move crosses a dangerous line for football’s governing institutions.
The proposed entity, called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), would seek up to $4.2 billion from private investors in exchange for minority stakes. Investment bank J.P. Morgan is involved, and prospective investors include Thrive Eternal, launched by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner. This connection to US President Donald Trump’s family has intensified scrutiny.
UEFA released an unusually blunt statement opposing the plan. “It is not FIFA’s to sell,” the organization said. “None of us are the owners of football.” UEFA warned that the proposal threatens the sport’s long-term governance. “The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade,” UEFA added, saying every national Football Association should take this extremely seriously.
FIFA defends the plan, claiming it will strengthen global football and democratize the sport across the world. Infantino argued it would bring new capital for competitions like the World Cup and Club World Cup. However, the FIFA controversy echoes a similar 2018 proposal involving Japan’s SoftBank, which also collapsed after UEFA resistance.
In conclusion, the FIFA controversy highlights a growing divide between FIFA and UEFA over the future of football’s biggest tournaments. With FIFA seeking private investment and UEFA protecting its traditional governance, the outcome will shape the sport’s commercial landscape for years.