Will the World Cup be put up for sale? Infantino prepares a multi-billion dollar deal

Gianni Infantino is aiming to turn the World Cup into a full-fledged investment asset.

Details: According to The Times journalist Martyn Ziegler, the FIFA president is working on a plan to create a new commercial company that would manage both the World Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup. A portion of its shares is expected to be sold to private investors, but FIFA intends to keep a controlling stake.

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It's reported that negotiations have already taken place with prominent figures from the investment world, including individuals close to Donald Trump's administration. Among the potential players in the project are JPMorgan and American businessman Joshua Kushner.

According to the Financial Times, the new commercial structure could be valued at around $20 billion, with investors being offered approximately 20% of the shares. FIFA plans to channel the raised capital to support national football associations. The deal has not yet received final approval.

The Times also claims that a portion of the shares could be distributed among all 211 FIFA members. The value of each association's package could potentially reach around $20 million.

Additionally, there's a scenario being discussed in which, after his presidential term ends in 2031, Infantino could take on the role of commissioner of the new company. Critics of the project fear that the entry of private investors will ramp up pressure to expand the World Cup to 64 teams or to hold the tournament more frequently.

It's worth noting that earlier reports highlighted FIFA's record revenues from the 2026 World Cup — with the organization expected to generate $15 billion.

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