Are Fifa and Infantino Selling the World Cup?

What the report says

BBC Sport Football’s Radio 5 Live programme Football Daily examined a proposal by FIFA to sell stakes in its football competitions, according to episode details published for a 13-minute programme dated 29 July 2026. The episode, titled “Are FIFA And Infantino Selling The World Cup?”, frames the issue as a potentially significant shift in how world football’s competitions could be financed and controlled.

Presenter Eleanor Oldroyd was joined by BBC Sport chief football news reporter Simon Stone and football finance specialist Kieran Maguire. The discussion focused on FIFA’s proposal, the reaction following its announcement, and how realistic it is that such a plan could move ahead. The panel also considered whether outside investors might gain increased influence over the future direction of football competitions.

The available BBC listing does not set out the detailed structure of the proposal, the competitions that could be affected, or the size of any potential investment. It also does not report a final decision by FIFA. The central issue raised is whether selling stakes in FIFA-run tournaments could change decision-making, revenue distribution, or the relationship between governing bodies, commercial partners and fans.

By way of context, FIFA, led by president Gianni Infantino, oversees major international football competitions including the men’s and women’s World Cups. Any move to bring investors into those assets would be closely watched because of the World Cup’s sporting, financial and cultural importance. BBC’s programme specifically asks what such a scheme could mean for supporters, indicating concern about fan impact as well as governance and finance.