Infantino Defends FIFA World Cup Stake Sale Proposal Amid UEFA Backlash

FIFA’s $20 Billion World Cup Plan Sparks Debate, Infantino Says Stake Sale Is ‘Not an Obligation’

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has defended the governing body’s proposal to sell a minority stake in a new commercial entity that would manage the FIFA World Cup and other major tournaments, calling it “an opportunity, not an obligation” amid strong opposition from several football confederations.

Earlier this week, FIFA unveiled plans to create a $20 billion commercial subsidiary that would oversee the marketing and commercial rights of the World Cup and other FIFA competitions. As part of the proposal, the organisation could sell up to a 20% stake in the new entity to outside investors.

The announcement triggered criticism from several regional football confederations, which said they were not adequately consulted before the proposal was made public. They also raised concerns over the potential impact of private investment on the governance and long-term future of football’s biggest tournaments.

Addressing the backlash, Infantino said the proposal is still at the consultation stage and no final decision has been taken.

“It’s part of a democratic process, a consultation process, and, above all, it is an opportunity but not an obligation,” Infantino said in a video released by FIFA. “As I said, it kicks off the consultation process.”

FIFA, one of the world’s richest sports organisations, earns billions of dollars through broadcasting rights, sponsorships and commercial partnerships linked to the men’s and women’s World Cups. The governing body believes a dedicated commercial arm could unlock fresh investment, accelerate growth and strengthen the long-term financial future of its competitions.

Infantino also sought to reassure critics that external investors would have no role in football’s governance.

“FIFA obviously continues to govern football without any external interference,” he said. “The flagship tournaments it organises, like the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Women’s World Cup, will always remain under FIFA.”

The proposal has reignited debate over the commercial direction of global football, with supporters arguing it could generate new revenue streams while critics warn that private investment should not come at the expense of transparency, consultation and the integrity of the sport’s premier competitions.