Is World Cup sell-off plan a step too far by Infantino?

What the report says

BBC Sport reports that Fifa president Gianni Infantino is pursuing what it describes as the most audacious initiative of his decade in charge: a plan to sell stakes in Fifa competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors. The proposal, linked in the report to Thrive Capital, led by Josh Kushner, would offer national football associations significant upfront funding, with Infantino presenting it as a way to spread football’s wealth more widely.

According to the BBC, Infantino has told member nations that each could receive $20m, or about £15m, for development once a deal is completed, with funds available from 1 January 2027 if approved. Fifa has 211 member associations, and BBC Sport says Infantino’s support across parts of Africa, Asia and the Americas could give him the simple majority needed. The report links that backing to previous policies such as World Cup expansion, rising commercial income and regular development payments to federations.

The proposal has drawn criticism from fans, politicians and regional bodies, including tensions with Uefa. BBC Sport says some federations were angered by learning of the plan only when it became public, though not all statements have rejected the idea outright. Former Fifa governance official Miguel Maduro sharply criticised the system of distributing money to federations; the BBC said it contacted Fifa for comment on his assessment.

The wider issue is whether a non-profit global governing body should give private investors access to future growth in the World Cup’s value. The BBC places the idea within a broader sports trend, noting private-equity involvement in major US leagues and European competitions, while stressing that approval could further strengthen Infantino’s position inside Fifa.