FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing significant backlash over a proposed plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, a move critics fear could lead to an increase in tournament frequency and diminish the sport's governance.

FIFA aims to establish a subsidiary to manage operational delivery and commercial interests for its tournaments, including ticketing and broadcasting rights. The organization hopes to raise over $3 billion from investors for this venture, with investment bank J.P. Morgan advising on the process. American venture capitalist firm Thrive, led by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, is expected to spearhead the investor group.

While FIFA maintains that external investors will not have an operational role, concerns persist that the drive for maximum return on investment could lead to more frequent events like the Club World Cup and the main World Cup. National football associations are being offered incentives of approximately $15 million in additional revenue to support the proposition.

Infantino's perceived 'untouchable' status stems from FIFA's voting system, where each national association holds one vote, regardless of its size or standing in global football. This structure allows Infantino to build support by promising increased funding and expanded tournaments, particularly to smaller nations. His ambition to expand the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams would include 30% of FIFA's member nations, a prospect that appeals to countries seeking greater participation and revenue.

African, South American, and Asian confederations have already pledged support for Infantino's re-election, representing 111 countries. This bloc of support is crucial for his presidency, as he needs 106 votes to secure another term. Despite this backing, UEFA and other confederations have voiced organizational concerns regarding the lack of consultation on the new investment plans.

Opposition and Potential Roadblocks

UEFA is convening emergency talks among its 55 member nations to present a united front against the proposals. However, unifying opposition is proving challenging, with the Czech FA president already signaling support for Infantino's plans. Blocking the proposal would require consensus from a significant majority of UEFA nations, a scenario that appears unlikely given the financial incentives offered by FIFA.

UEFA could potentially pressure FIFA by threatening to withdraw from future World Cups, though such a move would require unprecedented collaboration and might be dismissed as an empty threat given the lead time. A more immediate concern for FIFA could be the upcoming Women's World Cup, where any threat of boycott would likely be taken more seriously.

Strained FIFA-UEFA Relations

The investment plan marks the latest point of friction between FIFA and UEFA. Tensions have been escalating since FIFA proposed expanding the Club World Cup, a move seen by UEFA as a threat to the congested football calendar and the commercial dominance of its own competitions, such as the Champions League.

The Men's World Cup is FIFA's primary revenue generator, but UEFA's Champions League generates substantial annual revenue. Infantino's ambition to create a lucrative club competition under FIFA's control, evidenced by the expansion of the Club World Cup to 32 teams and potential further expansion, heightens UEFA's concerns about devaluing European club football.

Personal animosity between Infantino and UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin has also been public. A notable incident involved Infantino arriving late to FIFA's Congress after accompanying then-U.S. President Donald Trump on a diplomatic tour, leading to a walkout by UEFA representatives who accused Infantino of prioritizing private political interests over football governance.

Potential Challengers to Infantino

While Infantino's presidency appears secure, the next FIFA elections are in 2027, with the deadline for nominations approaching on November 18. In the previous election, Infantino ran unopposed. However, growing opposition suggests a challenger may emerge this time, although overcoming Infantino's established support base presents a significant hurdle.

Paris Saint-Germain president Nasser Al-Khelaifi is considered a potential rival. Chairman of BeIN Media and Qatari Sports Investments, Al-Khelaifi is respected across football and has the backing of several European nations. He also serves on UEFA's executive committee, potentially bridging support from European and Asian confederations. Other potential candidates mentioned include Dariusz Mioduski, president of Legia Warsaw, and Victor Montagliani, president of Concacaf and a FIFA vice-president, though Montagliani is expected to seek re-election with Concacaf. The German Football Association president, Bernd Neuendorf, has declined to endorse Infantino's re-nomination, and La Liga chair Javier Tebas has called for Infantino to resign.