Archive · 3 Aug 2026
Infantino Withdraws $20B World Cup Stake Sale Plan
Gianni Infantino, the boss of FIFA, had a big idea to sell part of the World Cup to a group led by Joshua Kushner.
He thought it would bring in a lot of money.
But many football fans and clubs in Europe said it was wrong and that the game should not be sold.
Because of the strong criticism, Infantino decided to cancel the plan.
Now FIFA says the game can make its own money, like the U.S. World Cup that earned $15 billion.
The European clubs even called for Infantino to step down, saying the plan was a monster.
Infantino is still trying to keep his job and keep the World Cup growing.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino abandoned a $20 billion proposal to sell a 20 % stake in World Cups to a consortium led by Joshua Kushner.
The plan was criticized as a personal enrichment scheme and faced backlash from European football associations.
Infantino’s ties to the Trump family and decisions such as the Folarin Balogun suspension drew further scrutiny.
European associations called for Infantino’s resignation, branding the proposal “kill the monster.”
FIFA maintains that football can generate its own revenue, citing the U.S. World Cup’s $15 billion earnings.
- Who
- Gianni Infantino, Joshua Kushner, European football associations
- What
- Withdrawal of a $20 billion proposal to sell a 20 % stake in World Cups
- Where
- FIFA, World Cup, European football associations
- Why
- Backlash over perceived personal enrichment and integrity concerns
- Proposed Stake Sale
- $20 billion
- Stake Percentage
- 20%
- Consortium Leader
- Joshua Kushner
- Critics
- European football associations
- Outcome
- Proposal withdrawn