FIFA president Gianni Infantino plans to flog stakes in the World Cup in a shameless scheme that could net him tens of millions.
The plot to sell off the competition to private investors would lead to a company being formed — likely headed by Infantino.
Gianni Infantino is plotting to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors Credit: AFP
Figures close to Donald Trump’s administration are amongst those consulted about the plans, according to reports Credit: Getty
People close to his pal have reportedly been consulted.
The idea sparked a furious reaction from fans and triggered a footie civil war — with European governing body warning it “crosses a line”.
Senior figures warned is a potential “nuclear bomb” for the game.
PM said: “The World Cup is not a product. It is the greatest competition in world sport.
“Once you have sold a piece of it, you have sold out. Football belongs to the fans.” Sky News reported that European nations would consider boycotting the World Cup if president pushes ahead with the scheme.
US venture capital firm Thrive is expected to lead the proposed investor group for new subsidiary Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE). Bank JP Morgan is said to be involved.
Thrive Capital’s founder , 41, is the brother of Mr Trump’s son-in-law .
Each of Fifa’s 211 member associations would be given a stake potentially each worth £15million, which they could retain or sell to raise income for themselves.
Gary Lineker reposted the BBC’s Instagram story with the comment ‘Nothing surprises me any more’ and a vomit emoji Credit: PA
Andy Burnham slammed the plans and said ‘The World Cup is not a product’ Credit: Reuters
They could vote on the plan at March’s Fifa Congress in Morocco. Potential investors would have to sign non-disclosure agreements and Fifa would own a majority stake in the company, reported The Times.
Infantino could become its commissioner, once his presidential term expires in 2031. His salary could hit £48million, the same as NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
Some non-binding agreements setting out the terms of the arrangement have already been signed, it was reported.
Setting out the idea, Fifa said: “Fifa is always on the lookout for innovative projects that can boost the development of football around the world and is always open to reviewing proposals submitted to it.
“We are starting a consultation process. As the Fifa president stated on July 18 during a meeting with all Fifa member associations, the priority now is to ‘unleash the commercial potential and opportunity that Fifa has’ after the Fifa success.
“Fifa makes its decisions democratically, and a proposal that Fifa has received and is currently reviewing will soon be presented to the 211 member associations and the Fifa Council, who will be the sole final decision-makers.”
Fifa said money available to member associations would increase from £6million to £20million for the 2027-30 cycle “and grow steadily thereafter cycle-on-cycle”.
In its strongly-worded response, Uefa said: “This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. Uefa takes it extremely seriously.
One proposed investor is Joshua Kushner — a younger brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner Credit: Getty
Infantino was at the heart of several World Cup scandals including alleged bias to Argentina and Lionel Messi Credit: Reuters
“So should every national football association. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the game’s future.
“The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade — especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not Fifa’s to sell.”
Even ex-Fifa president laid into the plan saying: “The close relationship between the Fifa president and the US President has reached a financial dimension that is deeply damaging football. No one has the right to sell our game.”
Footie writer Henry Winter said: “Outside investors should be nowhere near the greatest sporting prize.”
Fifa generated billions through TV rights, sponsorship and ticket and hospitality sales from the World Cup in the US, Canada and Mexico. Infantino said earlier this month that a South American proposal to expand from 48 to 64 teams would “definitely” be looked at.
But there are fears a bigger World Cup — and — could place more strain on domestic schedules.
Infantino was at the heart of several World Cup scandals including Trump asking him to review a red card for USA striker , which was then rescinded.
There was controversy over hydration breaks, VAR calls and alleged bias to Argentina and its superstar striker .
Fifa played down claims Infantino would become commissioner Credit: Getty FIFA’S WORLD CUP SELL-OFF PLAN
- Fifa would set up a firm for the “operational delivery of Fifa tournaments” called Fifa Forward Enterprise, which will effectively control the men’s and women’s World Cups and Club World Cup
- Fifa would then own the majority share in the company — but investors could purchase 20 to 30 per cent which could amount to billions of dollars
- Each of Fifa’s 211 member associations would also be given a stake worth approximately £15m which they could keep or sell
- Infantino would then be in line to run the company after he steps down as head of Fifa
- One proposed investor is Joshua Kushner — a younger brother of Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner
Ex-Liverpool player Stan Collymore suggested Uefa should split from Fifa, adding: “Uefa’s power base is 10, 20, 1,000 times more. It’s where all the players, storied clubs, monster crowds, greatest coaches, referees and sheer size of football infrastructure is.”
reposted the BBC’s Instagram story with the comment “Nothing surprises me any more” and a vomit emoji.
Sports broadcaster Richard Keys said: “The WC is not this fool’s to sell. Enough….”
Meanwhile, insiders said England’s FA was “completely unaware” of Fifa’s plans until its statement yesterday.
Fifa played down claims Infantino would become commissioner, saying: “This has never been discussed. However, the Fifa president and the Fifa administration will and must have leading roles in this entity.”
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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