FIFA President Gianni Infantino has introduced a $20 billion initiative to establish a private company overseeing the World Cup, backed by prominent investors including the Kushner family. The announcement triggered immediate backlash from UEFA, which emphasized that football belongs to its global community and not to FIFA alone. Critics warn that privatizing the tournament could shift focus toward profit, undermining the sport’s values and reducing opportunities for smaller nations. The involvement of high-profile figures like the Kushners adds political and financial scrutiny to the plan.
The proposal has ignited debate among national football associations, fans, and media outlets about who holds authority over the World Cup. FRANCE 24’s James Vasina highlights growing resistance, with many viewing the tournament as a shared cultural legacy rather than a commercial product. As opposition mounts, questions remain about FIFA’s right to restructure one of the world’s most iconic sporting events. The outcome depends on how stakeholders balance governance, tradition, and modernization in football’s future.