FIFA President Gianni Infantino has set a deadline of September 19, 2026, for the 211 FIFA member federations to accept a one-time $20 million offer as part of a plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

The proposal involves creating a $20 billion FIFA subsidiary, 20% owned by private investors, which would manage FIFA competitions and events including the World Cup and Club World Cups. This subsidiary is reportedly bankrolled by the brother of Jared Kushner and backed by Joshua Kushner’s investment firm, Thrive Capital.

The plan has faced immediate and strong criticism from international soccer organizations. UEFA, the European soccer governing body, expressed significant and growing opposition after discussions with stakeholders and plans to convene an emergency online meeting of its 55 member federations, likely on Thursday, July 31, 2026. UEFA stated that the World Cup "is not FIFA’s to sell."

This initiative is part of Infantino’s broader efforts during his 11-year presidency, which have increasingly been seen as executive actions taken without broad consultation with major soccer stakeholders. The plan also aligns with Infantino’s connections to figures in the orbit of U.S. President Donald Trump, including previous initiatives like the FIFA peace prize and interventions related to U.S. players in the World Cup.

Infantino described the investment opportunity as "singular and unique" in a letter explaining the rationale behind the subsidiary.

Sources