FIFA Draws Fury Over Plan to Sell Stakes in World Cup FIFA is facing widespread criticism for its proposal to sell a minority stake in the World Cup’s commercial rights, a move critics argue would transform the sport’s flagship tournament into an investment asset and risk undermining its integrity. The plan, announced on Tuesday, involves creating a $20 billion subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) to manage commercial operations, including broadcast rights, sponsorships, ticketing, and licensing, while retaining sole control over governance and regulatory decisions. FIFA claims the initiative would generate up to $4.2 billion in revenue to fund global soccer development programs, but opponents warn it could prioritize profit over the sport’s cultural and competitive values. The proposal has drawn sharp backlash from soccer officials, fans, and political leaders, with concerns centering on the potential for excessive commercialization and deepened ties between FIFA and U.S. President Donald Trump. Critics argue that allowing private investors to hold up to 20% of FFE could compromise the independence of football’s governing body. The controversy comes amid the aftermath of the 2026 men’s World Cup, which was co-hosted by the U.S. and generated a record $12 billion in revenue for FIFA. UEFA, the European soccer body, condemned the plan, stating that “the soul and governance of football are not assets to trade—especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially.” The organization is reportedly preparing an emergency meeting to discuss opposition strategies, including the possibility of a World Cup boycott. Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter, a vocal critic of his successor Gianni Infantino, accused the current leadership of enabling a “financial dimension” that harms the sport.#fifa #world_cup #fifa_forward_enterprise #joshua_kushner #thrive_eternal
