Gianni Infantino plans new FIFA venture, seeks NFL-style compensation

While European football stands united in opposition to FIFA’s latest multi-billion-dollar commercial scheme, one prominent member association boss has chosen to take a very different stance. The general consensus on FIFA’s $20 billion commercial spinoff is simple: if money talks, Gianni Infantino has turned the volume up to maximum, while Europe has hit the mute button.

UEFA is expected to hold an emergency meeting this week after FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s plans to raise $20 billion through selling stakes in the World Cup to private equity. FIFA President Infantino wants the game’s governing body to fund the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a newly formed body, by selling commercial and event operation rights to private investors.

Wide-ranging outrage, objections from politicians and a clear veto from UEFA: FIFA president Gianni Infantino has once again sparked major criticism with his latest plans involving investors in the World Cup. Nine days after the World Cup final in the United States, the governing body announced that it intends to raise billions of dollars by potentially selling part of its commercial rights, including those related to the World Cup.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is exploring a multibillion-dollar scheme to restructure ownership of world soccer’s biggest competitions. A major shake-up is potentially on the horizon with FIFA and Gianni Infantino by forming a commercial venture to run FIFA’s top tournaments, including the World Cup and Club World Cup.