FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced plans to create a new commercial entity valued at $20 billion, with stakes to be sold to private investors including Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner. The initiative represents a significant private monetization of the World Cup tournament.
The announcement has prompted swift criticism from UEFA, European soccer’s governing body. UEFA stated that FIFA is “crossing a line” and disputed FIFA’s authority to sell the tournament, suggesting the World Cup is not FIFA’s alone to commercialize in this manner. UEFA has characterized the move as potentially compromising football’s fundamental values.
The controversy highlights growing tensions between FIFA and regional governing bodies over the control and commercialization of international soccer’s marquee tournament.
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