Infantino Faces Backlash Over Reported Plan to Tie FIFA Funding to World Cup Investment Vote

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is reportedly urging the organization's 211 member associations to support his proposal to allow outside investment in a new FIFA commercial subsidiary, with member federations warned they could forgo up to US$30 million in funding if the proposal is rejected, Jamie Braidwood reported for The Independent.

Some member countries suspect Infantino is working closely with U.S. President Donald Trump and the Kushner family on plans to attract private investment into the sport, although no evidence has been publicly presented to substantiate those claims. [Photo: Joyce N. Boghosian, The White House Flickr]

FIFA recently announced plans to establish a new subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprises (FFE), to manage the commercial rights and delivery of the FIFA World Cup and other major tournaments.

Infantino said the new company would be open to external capital investment.

The proposal has drawn strong criticism from UEFA, which accused FIFA of attempting to sell the "soul" of football. Some senior European football officials are also reportedly discussing possible boycotts of FIFA leadership.

The proposal requires approval by a simple majority of FIFA's 211 member associations, as well as support from the FIFA Council.

According to a letter obtained by The Independent, Infantino told member associations that funding under the FIFA Forward program would increase from about US$8 million to US$20 million during the 2027-2031 cycle if the new FFE subsidiary is approved.

The letter also states that member associations would receive a one-time payment of US$20 million if they vote in favor of the proposal during the September 19 FIFA Congress.

However, the letter warns that if the proposal fails, FIFA Forward funding for the 2027-2031 cycle would amount to only US$10 million, meaning member associations would miss out on as much as US$30 million in potential funding.

Some FIFA member associations have reportedly expressed concern that Infantino's proposal could pave the way for greater private-sector influence over international football.

The Independent also reported that some member countries suspect Infantino is working closely with U.S. President Donald Trump and the Kushner family on plans to attract private investment into the sport, although no evidence has been publicly presented to substantiate those claims.