A bitter power struggle is unfolding within FIFA as football’s governing body faces growing opposition over its plans to restructure the commercial side of the global game.
The crisis intensified in late July after FIFA President Gianni Infantino unveiled the FIFA Forward Enterprise, a proposed commercial vehicle designed to consolidate FIFA’s lucrative commercial rights and tournament operations.
Under the plan, FIFA would retain control while selling a 20 to 21 per cent minority stake to private investors. The proposed investment target was reportedly around $20bn, with future World Cup revenues among the assets expected to underpin the enterprise.
FIFA argued that the arrangement would unlock commercial value and increase development funding for its 210 member associations. Funding could rise from $8m per association in the current cycle to $20m between 2027 and 2030, with additional support potentially taking the figure to $40m.
However, UEFA and other confederations have raised concerns over the valuation, governance implications and growing commercialisation of football.
The proposed link to Thrive Capital, founded by Joshua Kushner, also fuelled controversy because of Infantino’s close relationship with US President Donald Trump.
UEFA has threatened to boycott FIFA competitions if its concerns are not adequately addressed, leaving the future of the proposal uncertain.
