FIFA Plans $4.2 Billion World Cup Investment Stake Sale
UEFA accuses FIFA of ‘selling football’ with World Cup investment plan
FIFA announced plans Tuesday to sell a minority stake in its business operations through a newly created semi-private subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). The organization said it would retain majority control while seeking to raise $4.2 billion from long-term investors later this year.
The announcement followed reports in The Times and Financial Times based on leaked documents. Those reports alleged FIFA President Gianni Infantino could profit personally by becoming FFE commissioner after his term expires in 2031—a claim FIFA denied.
Discussions have begun with potential investors including Thrive Capital, founded by Joshua Kushner, and an arm of JP Morgan Chase, the bank that previously attempted to finance the failed European Super League.