What You Need to Know
• FIFA has announced plans to create a $20 billion subsidiary to manage the World Cup and other events.
• The organization intends to sell up to 20 percent of this subsidiary to private investors, potentially raising $4.2 billion.
• UEFA has criticized the proposal, stating it crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should not cross.
FIFA, the international governing body of football, has proposed a plan to sell stakes in the World Cup and other events to private investors, which has drawn criticism from the European football governing body, UEFA. Announced on July 29, 2026, the plan involves creating a $20 billion subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise, which will manage the World Cup and other events. FIFA aims to retain a majority share while offering minority stakes to external investors to generate up to $4.2 billion. The proposal requires approval from FIFA’s 211 member nations and could see an investor group led by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, involved in the funding. UEFA has expressed serious concerns about the implications of this proposal for football governance.
Why It Matters
This proposal marks a significant shift in FIFA’s approach to financing major football events, potentially altering the landscape of sports investment. FIFA’s plan comes after the recent 48-team World Cup held across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, which was the largest in history. The organization generates substantial revenue from broadcasting rights and sponsorship deals, and this new strategy aims to enhance funding for wider access to football. UEFA’s strong opposition highlights the ongoing tension between European football authorities and FIFA regarding governance and financial practices in the sport.
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