Archive · 29 Jul 2026
FIFA Faces Backlash Over World Cup Stake Sale
FIFA, the organization that runs the World Cup, has announced plans to sell a part of its commercial rights to investors.
This move is expected to raise a lot of money, which FIFA says will be used to improve football around the world.
However, many people, including other football organizations, are upset about this decision.
They worry that selling these rights will make football too commercial and could lead to problems with who controls the game.
Some people are also concerned because the potential investors might be connected to Donald Trump, the former President of the United States.
Despite these concerns, FIFA says it will still be in charge of the competitions and the rules of the game.
FIFA plans to sell a minority stake in the World Cup's commercial rights to raise up to $4.2 billion for football development.
Critics, including UEFA and former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, argue this move will damage the spirit of the game and raise concerns about governance and transparency.
Potential investors are reportedly linked to Donald Trump through Joshua Kushner, raising concerns about financial ties.
UEFA and other critics criticize the lack of transparency and the potential influence of external investors.
FIFA insists it will retain exclusive authority over competitions and governance despite the sale.
- Who
- FIFA, UEFA, Sepp Blatter, CONCACAF, Gianni Infantino, Donald Trump, Joshua Kushner
- What
- FIFA's plan to sell a minority stake in the World Cup's commercial rights
- When
- Announced on 28 July
- Where
- Global football community
- Why
- To raise funds for football development programmes and retain control over competitions and governance
FIFA and Supporters
Critics and UEFA
Commercialization of Football
FIFA and Supporters
FIFA believes selling a minority stake will generate funds for football development and retain control over competitions and governance.
Critics and UEFA
Critics argue this move will turn the tournament into an investment asset, damaging the spirit of the game and raising concerns about excessive commercialization.
Transparency and Governance
FIFA and Supporters
FIFA claims it will retain exclusive authority over competitions and governance.
Critics and UEFA
UEFA and other critics criticize the lack of transparency around potential investors and the governance implications of the sale.
Relationship with Donald Trump
FIFA and Supporters
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defends the move, emphasizing the commercial value of football.
Critics and UEFA
Critics, including former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, express concern over the financial ties to Donald Trump and the potential influence of his family through Joshua Kushner.
- Date of Announcement
- 28 July
- Subsidiary Value
- $20 billion (₹1.91 lakh crore)
- Potential Investment
- Up to 20% stake
- Funds Raised
- Up to $4.2 billion (₹40,215 crore)
- Purpose of Funds
- Football development programmes worldwide
- Critics
- UEFA, Sepp Blatter, CONCACAF
- Potential Investors
- Linked to Donald Trump through Joshua Kushner