FIFA's Infantino sets deadline for $20M offer to members in Kushner-backed World Cup investor plan - AP News

What the report says

Associated Press reports that FIFA President Gianni Infantino has given FIFA’s 211 member federations until Sept. 19 to accept a one-time $20 million payment tied to a proposal to bring private investors into a new subsidiary that would manage FIFA competitions, including the World Cup and Club World Cup. The plan would value the subsidiary at $20 billion, with private investors holding 20%, and would be anchored by Thrive Capital, the investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner.

According to AP, Infantino described the proposal in a letter to members as a major funding opportunity and said J.P. Morgan would lead the process of bringing in additional investors. If approved by a majority of FIFA members, federations would receive the increased funding during the commercial cycle connected to the 2030 men’s World Cup; if rejected, they would remain on the previously promised $10 million over four years. AP reported the difference could amount to about $86 million over 12 years versus roughly $36 million under existing commitments.

The proposal has drawn sharp resistance from several major soccer bodies. UEFA said opposition was growing and planned an emergency online meeting of its 55 members, while its president Aleksander Čeferin voiced opposition during talks with leading European federations. CONCACAF cited concerns over process, and the Asian Football Confederation said members had not had a chance to review the matter before it became public.

The dispute matters because it could reshape control and commercial incentives around soccer’s most valuable events. Critics cited by AP argue FIFA did not properly consult stakeholders and warn that investor ownership could pressure the organization to expand or further commercialize tournaments.