Fifa President Gianni Infantino has proposed a plan to sell stakes in future World Cups, a move that would provide the organization with a significant influx of cash. According to a letter sent to national federations, the funds would be made available starting January 1, 2027.
Infantino has framed the decision as one belonging entirely to the member nations, stating, "The decision whether or not to proceed with this proposal belongs entirely to you. In exchange, all that is required is your trust - everything else remains the same." This approach suggests a quid pro quo, where national federations could see increased financial resources in return for their approval.
The proposal centers on private investors sharing in the future growth and revenue generated by the World Cup. Critics argue that the tournament's value is likely to increase significantly in the coming years, and selling stakes now means foregoing potential future gains that could otherwise benefit Fifa and the sport directly. Fifa, as a non-profit organization under Swiss law, is theoretically aimed at the long-term well-being of football rather than profit maximization.
The primary beneficiaries of this plan, should it be approved, are anticipated to be some of the smaller football nations, private investors who would gain a share in future profits, and Infantino himself. The exact structure and scale of the proposed stake sale have not been fully detailed, but the move represents a significant shift in how Fifa might finance its operations and development initiatives going forward. FIFA president Gianni Infantino applauds during the trophy presentation at the 2026 World Cup final between Spain and Argentina at MetLife Stadium in New York.