FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing significant criticism for a proposed plan to effectively sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, a move described by critics as a "brazen bid to disfigure sport." The proposal, which would involve establishing a new company to control the men's and women's World Cups and the Club World Cup, has drawn parallels to past instances of sports commercialization and corruption.
Concerns have been amplified by alleged connections between Infantino and former U.S. President Donald Trump. A phone call between the two figures reportedly influenced a decision regarding a player suspension during a recent World Cup, raising questions about FIFA's political neutrality. Trump, despite admitting a lack of understanding of the sport's rules, defended his intervention, stating, "I understand sports well." Infantino, in turn, defended FIFA's organization of the event, highlighting its success and safety.
The proposed structure could see Infantino potentially serve as a "commissioner" of a new World Cup entity after his FIFA presidency concludes in 2031, with projections suggesting an annual income of approximately £37.5 million, a substantial increase from his current salary. As part of the plan, FIFA member nations are reportedly being offered shares in the new venture, valued at £15 million, which they could then sell.
Critics argue that the plan prioritizes personal financial gain over the integrity of the game. The potential for more frequent World Cup tournaments, moving away from the traditional four-year cycle, is also seen as a dilution of the event's prestige, driven by opportunities for increased revenue from television rights, sponsorships, ticket sales, and hospitality.
Allegations suggest that Joshua Kushner, brother of Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, is poised to be a major investor in the scheme, with U.S. bank JPMorgan also cited as a potential stakeholder. This proposed commercialization of the World Cup has led to accusations that Infantino is prioritizing profit and personal enrichment over the preservation of football's fundamental principles, echoing historical instances of commercial exploitation in sports such as the Olympics under Juan Antonio Samaranch and doping scandals.
Football organizations are being urged to resist this proposal, which critics contend represents an unprecedented attempt to commodify one of the world's most popular sporting events for financial gain.