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League: FIFA World CupSport: SoccerCountry: GlobalCategory: Playoffs

UEFA criticizes FIFA's $20 billion World Cup investment plan

5 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Jul 29, 2026, 3:33 PM

Last updated Jul 29, 2026

UEFA criticizes FIFA's $20 billion World Cup investment plan
Summary

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced plans to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a $20 billion company involving private investors, including the Kushner family, to manage World Cup operations. UEFA responded strongly, stating the ownership and governance of football should not be monetized. UEFA emphasized the lack of transparency concerning financial gains, expressing that this venture crosses ethical boundaries. FIFA plans to raise $4.2 billion for development programs based on the new venture and seeks approval from its 211 member federations.

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By the Numbers
  • •Gianni Infantino proposes a $20 billion World Cup management company.
  • •FIFA plans to raise $4.2 billion to support development programs.
  • •UEFA asserts ownership of the sport cannot be sold or traded.
  • •FIFA requires approval from its 211 member federations for the plan.
  • •Concerns arise over transparency and financial accountability.
Latest Updates
  • 3:33 PMYahoo Sports — FIFA investor plans: Reported deadline and more harsh criticism
  • 2:24 PMAssociated Press — FIFA's Infantino sets deadline for $20M offer to members in Kushner-backed World Cup investor plan - AP News
  • 2:07 PMESPN — Infantino to FIFA members: Back WC plan for $40m
  • 10:59 AMYahoo Sports — FIFA's Infantino sets deadline for $20M offer to members in Kushner-backed World Cup investor plan
  • 3:44 PMYahoo Sports — FIFA plan for Kushner-backed $20 billion operation to run World Cup meets fury from Europe's UEFA
What they're saying
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FIFA President Gianni Infantino set a Sept. 19 deadline on Wednesday for the 211 member federations to accept a one-off $20 million offer to each underwritten by the investment firm of Jared Kushner’s brother as part of a project to sell stakes in the World Cup. Infantino set out the “singular and unique funding opportunity” in a letter detailing why he wants to create a $20 billion FIFA subsidiary — 20% owned by private investors — that would run the soccer body’s competitions and events like World Cups and Club World Cups.

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FIFA is reportedly giving its 211 members a deadline to approve a planned World Cup investor deal which is drawing ongoing fierce criticism especially in Europe. British media said on Wednesday that FIFA president Gianni Infantino has written to the 211 member federations and said they will receive $40 million each, with an initial payment of $20 million, if they endorse the FIFA plan by September 19.

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FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s plan to create a $20 billion company running the World Cup with private investors including the Kushner family was announced Tuesday — and immediately attacked by European soccer body UEFA. “It is not FIFA’s to sell,” UEFA said in a statement.

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