FIFA’s Plan for the World Cup
FIFA has confirmed that Josh Kushner may become the main investor if Gianni Infantino decides to sell his World Cup stake. Josh, notably, is the brother of Jared Kushner, who is President Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
The specifics of this plan are somewhat unclear, but reports suggest that the World Cup might spin off from FIFA to form a new legal entity. Infantino would then take on the role of commissioner of this new organization once his term as FIFA president concludes in 2031. In this capacity, he would oversee both the men’s and women’s World Cups, as well as the Club World Cup, with ideas to host the tournaments more frequently than the current four-year cycle. This marks a dramatic shift in how the World Cup operates, aiming to generate increased revenue.
However, Infantino can’t just privatize the World Cup on his own; he needs the approval of all 211 member nations. The tempting offer for these countries is approximately $20 million each in shares of the new entity, valuing the company at around $4.22 billion. While $20 million might not seem like a lot to wealthier countries, it represents a significant opportunity for those with tighter budgets, which could lead to a situation where control of the tournament shifts from public oversight to private equity.
According to the proposed plan, member countries would be free to keep or sell their shares as they see fit. While $20 million is trivial for some, many countries could end up parting with their stakes in the World Cup due to financial pressures. It’s not hard to picture a scenario where enough members cash in, leaving the tournament in the hands of private interests rather than a democratic structure.
“This is a line that no football governing body should ever cross. UEFA takes this matter very seriously and so should national football associations. We care about the league, the clubs, the players, the supporters, the governments, and the future of the game. The soul and governance of football is not a tradable asset. There is zero transparency, especially about who benefits from it. None of us own it. It is not FIFA that sells it.”
Concerningly, FIFA has also mandated that senior officials and potential investors sign non-disclosure agreements to keep their identities hidden. Essentially, Infantino’s plan seems to aim at commercializing a global sport, making vast profits while lacking clear accountability regarding leadership and motives.
Interestingly, reports say that Jared Kushner was initially intended to be the main player in this deal. However, due to possible political repercussions, the ownership focus shifted to his younger brother. This suggests that both Infantino and the Kushner family might realize the deal has dubious implications and are attempting to divert scrutiny.
This initiative could significantly influence the future of global football, the process of selecting host venues, and the underlying objectives of the World Cup itself.
