UEFA Denounces FIFA's Plan on World Cup Stake Sales

UEFA criticized a leaked proposal from FIFA concerning the sale of stakes in the World Cup, which could potentially allow FIFA President Gianni Infantino to earn millions. This news surfaced in The Times on July 26, 2026. The report indicated that Infantino was contemplating selling portions of the tournament to private investors, creating a new company that could be valued at approximately £15 billion. Furthermore, it suggested that Infantino might transition to become the commissioner of this new entity once his term at FIFA concludes in 2031, with estimates indicating earnings of over $50 million a year for the role.

Sources disclosed that JPMorgan is reportedly managing the arrangement, and the Donald Trump administration has been consulted. The proposal has already elicited substantial backlash from various sectors of football, with some labeling it a ‘nuclear bomb’ for the sport and warning that it could be 'far worse than the European Super League.' UEFA, known for its critical stance against FIFA and Infantino's decisions, strongly condemned this proposal.

The organization released a statement asserting that the plan would "cross a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross" and required serious attention from all stakeholders involved: national football associations, leagues, clubs, players, supporters, and governments alike. The statement emphasized that "the soul and governance of football are not assets to trade," pointing to a lack of transparency regarding financial beneficiaries. UEFA affirmed that football does not belong to FIFA to sell.

If this proposal proceeds, it could significantly alter the global football calendar. The frequency of the Men's and Women's World Cups might increase, possibly being held more often than every four years, with similar adjustments anticipated for the Club World Cup. Under the proposed framework, all 211 member associations would hold stakes accounting for 20 percent of the new company, estimated at around $20 million (£15 million) each. This figure surpasses the annual revenues of many associations, offering them an opportunity to sell these stakes for funds.

FIFA would maintain a majority share in the new venture, while private investors would have access to minority stakes. Among the potential investors being discussed is Joshua Kushner, related to Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared. As a non-profit organization, FIFA enjoys tax-exempt status at its headquarters in Switzerland. For the 2022-2026 cycle, FIFA's expected revenue is around $15 billion (£11.3 billion), primarily generated from the recent World Cup, presenting a significant opening for individual investments. Discussions regarding this stake sale among senior FIFA figures and potential investors have reportedly taken place under non-disclosure agreements, with some expressing interest in even acquiring FIFA itself. Infantino's envisioned role could parallel lucrative positions within institutions like the NFL, where the commissioner earns approximately $64 million annually.