The English Football Association (FA) has voiced deep concerns regarding FIFA's reported plans to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The FA stated they were not informed of the proposal and lack substantive details.
News emerged Tuesday that FIFA President Gianni Infantino is exploring the sale of parts of the tournament to private equity, potentially forming a new company valued at approximately $15 billion. FIFA later issued a statement confirming the consideration of such plans. The proposal also suggests that Infantino could assume a lucrative role as commissioner of this new entity once his FIFA term concludes in 2031, with potential earnings estimated at over $50 million annually.
JPMorgan is reportedly managing the process, and the administration of former U.S. President Donald Trump is understood to have been consulted. Under the proposed plan, FIFA intends to offer each of its 211 member associations a stake in the new company, valued at $15 million each, with the option to retain or sell their share.
In a statement to Daily Mail Sport, an FA spokesperson confirmed their lack of prior knowledge and expressed apprehension over the process and principles involved. "We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached," the spokesperson said. "Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved."
FIFA plans to establish a new entity named FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) to manage the commercial and event operations of FIFA tournaments. The governing body claims this venture would support its FIFA Forward development program, which provides capital to member associations, and aims to increase funding from $6 million to $15 million for the 2027-30 international cycle. The venture is expected to be spearheaded by Thrive Capital, led by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, who served as a senior advisor in the Trump administration. American investment bank JPMorgan is also providing advice on the initiative.