Archive · 29 Jul 2026
FIFA's $20B World Cup Subsidiary Plan Sparks UEFA Fury
FIFA, the organization that runs soccer worldwide, has a big plan.
They want to create a new company worth $20 billion to manage the World Cup and other events.
They will sell up to 20% of this company to investors, which could bring in $4.2 billion.
FIFA says this money will help make soccer more accessible and support teams and players around the world.
However, UEFA, which oversees European soccer, is very upset.
They say FIFA is selling the 'soul' of the game and that football should not be treated like a product.
Other critics, like the UK Prime Minister and a finance professor, also think this is a bad idea.
They believe the World Cup is not something to be sold.
FIFA insists they will still be in control and that the investors won't have much say in how things are run.
The plan will be presented to all member associations and the FIFA Council for a final decision.
FIFA plans to create a $20 billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to run the World Cup and other events.
Up to 20% of FFE will be offered to external investors, potentially raising $4.2 billion.
Thrive Eternal, founded by Joshua Kushner, is expected to lead the investor group.
FIFA will retain control over football governance, competitions, and regulatory decisions.
UEFA criticizes the plan, accusing FIFA of commercializing football's governance and 'soul'.
- Who
- FIFA, UEFA, Joshua Kushner, Andy Burnham, Richard Sheehan
- What
- FIFA's plan to create a $20 billion subsidiary to run the World Cup and other events, offering minority stakes to external investors
- When
- Announced on Tuesday
- Where
- Global, with a focus on FIFA and UEFA
- Why
- To generate funds for global football development and inclusivity, but criticized for commercializing football's governance
FIFA's Perspective
UEFA's Perspective
Commercialization of Football
FIFA's Perspective
FIFA believes that commercializing the World Cup through a subsidiary will generate more funds to support global football development and inclusivity.
UEFA's Perspective
UEFA argues that commercializing football's governance and soul is a dangerous precedent that undermines the integrity of the game.
Control and Governance
FIFA's Perspective
FIFA asserts that it will retain sole control over the subsidiary and all major football governance decisions.
UEFA's Perspective
UEFA contends that FIFA's move threatens the democratic and transparent governance of football, making it a commodity for trade.
- Proposed Subsidiary
- FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE)
- Investment Stakes
- Up to 20% to external investors
- Expected Fundraising
- Up to $4.2 billion
- Lead Investor Group
- Thrive Eternal, founded by Joshua Kushner
- FIFA's Control
- Retains exclusive authority over football governance, competitions, and regulatory decisions
- Fund Utilization
- Infrastructure, coaching, national teams, competitions, grassroots football, and the women’s game
- UEFA's Response
- Accuses FIFA of putting football's 'soul' up for sale
- Criticism from UK Prime Minister
- Andy Burnham calls the plan a 'sell-out' of the World Cup
Sources
FIFA's $20 Billion Subsidiary Plan for World Cup Draws UEFA's Fury
Fifa plans $20 billion World Cup unit, opens door to private equity investment; faces UEFA backlash
Why is UEFA furious over FIFA’s proposed $20 billion commercial company?
Selling 'football’s soul': UEFA slams FIFA’s $20B World Cup stake sale
Gianni Infantino's Plan To 'Sell' FIFA World Cup To Private Investors Has Donald Trump Connection: Report
FIFA plans $20 billion World Cup subsidiary, UEFA says football's 'soul' is for sale
FIFA Plans To Sell Stakes in $20 Billion Subsidiary To Run World Cup, Angering UEFA
UEFA Mulls FIFA World Cup Boycott Over Infantino's FIFA Private Investment Plan - Report
