Gianni Infantino is making the boldest move of his decade leading FIFA, pushing a plan to sell stakes in its football competitions, including the World Cup, to private investors connected to former US President Donald Trump, and fans are already reacting with incredulity and outright rage.
The FIFA president, who’s billing this whole thing as the “democratisation of football,” announced this wild proposal to a storm of criticism from fans, politicians, and even regional governing bodies. His big selling point? A promised $40 million in funding for all FIFA countries to “develop the game” once the deal is done. Federations have a hard deadline of September 19 to accept his terms if they want to access an initial $20 million payout. Seriously, that’s the carrot he’s dangling. Infantino views himself as a world leader, and if he pushes this plan through, he’s consolidating his power for the long haul, making some serious cash for investors along the way. You have to wonder, how does this guy feel powerful enough to pull off something so controversial?
Infantino’s Power Play Has Football Nations Hooked
Infantino definitely has the support to make this plan happen, and that’s the scary part. Since he became FIFA president in 2016, he’s built up widespread backing, especially from countries in Africa, Asia, and the Americas. Why? Because they’ve seen some financial gains from his past policies. We’re talking about the expansion of the World Cup to 48 teams, a huge growth in FIFA’s commercial and broadcast revenue, and a program that sends millions in funding directly to member countries every year. That support base gives him more than half of FIFA’s 211 members, and a simple majority is all he needs to get this plan approved. A $15 million windfall is a massive deal for many of those nations, especially those lower down the football food chain, who might not make that much over several years. This strong backing has clearly emboldened him, leading to decisions like adding hydration breaks and musical half-time shows to the World Cup without even a vote. Unthinkable a decade ago, right?
The Trump Ties That Bind This Wild World Cup Deal
The Trump connection here is absolutely key, and it’s not subtle. The investment fund FIFA is working with, Thrive Capital, is led by Josh Kushner, who’s Ivanka Trump’s brother-in-law. And get this: Greg Maffei, the American former president of Formula 1 owner Liberty Media, a guy who’s donated to Trump’s political campaigns, is listed as a “key commercial advisor.” This isn’t just a random connection either. Infantino has spent years overtly trying to deepen his and FIFA’s ties with Trump. He awarded Trump a Peace Prize, opened a FIFA office in Trump Tower in New York, and even allowed the Club World Cup trophy to hang out in the Oval Office. Remember when he laughed along during Trump’s inauguration speech when he threatened World Cup co-hosts Canada and Mexico? Just last week, Infantino straight up mimicked Trump’s language, calling critics of the World Cup’s organization “so consumed by hate and criticism.” Working with these Trump associates on such a huge plan allows Infantino to use that bond he’s cultivated with the world’s most powerful person, setting up a situation that looks mutually beneficial for everyone involved, except maybe for the integrity of football itself.
With the September 19 deadline looming, the football world is holding its breath. What will the future of our most cherished competition look like after this? We’re all just waiting to see if Infantino’s audacious plan becomes the new reality for the World Cup.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by BBC Sport.
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