BREAKING! Europe set to boycott World Cup!
Gianni Infantino risks turning FIFA's financial reform into the biggest schism in world football.
Details: According to Sky News and journalist Rob Harris, European countries are discussing the possibility of boycotting the World Cup if the FIFA president pushes through a plan to bring private investors into a new commercial structure within the organization. UEFA's national associations are set to hold an emergency online meeting later this week.
The plan involves creating a company called FIFA Forward Enterprise, which would consolidate FIFA’s commercial and organizational assets. The new entity is valued at $20 billion, and up to a 20% minority stake could be sold to external investors, potentially raising around $4.2 billion.
FIFA insists that private investors would not receive operational control. All decisions regarding football tournaments, schedules, regulations, and the governance of the game would remain solely in the hands of the organization.
However, UEFA has issued a sharp statement, accusing FIFA of crossing a red line. The European football union is particularly outraged by the lack of transparency over who exactly stands to benefit financially from the potential deal.
The main potential investor is said to be Thrive Eternal—an investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner. FIFA’s financial advisor for the project is JPMorgan.
It’s worth noting that FIFA plans to use the raised funds to develop football worldwide. The funding for each association could increase from $8 million to $20 million per cycle for 2027–2030, and later up to $24 million.
Reminder: “Pray or watch football!” Infantino hits back hard at FIFA critics.
Steven Perez
Dailysports's expert
