Infantino plots to SELL World Cup after Trump talks in ‘nuclear bomb’ for football

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is reportedly planning to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The organisation has confirmed that they will invite third parties to make a 'minority, non-controlling investments' into the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).

Bank J.P. Morgan have engaged to work alongside FIFA while other advisers such as OpenEconomics are engaging with prospective long-term investors. Infantino and the FIFA administration will control the development of the project while outside investors will have a minority stake with no operational role.

The administration of US President Donald Trump has reportedly been consulted about the plan, which would see a company being formed to control FIFA's men's and women's competitions, the World Cup and Club World Cup. Each of the 211 member associations would receive a stake which they could retain or sell for income.

The Times has reported that one senior figure within football regards the plan as a "nuclear bomb" for the game, as the proposals suggest that FIFA would own the majority of the company, with private investors buying 20 to 30 per cent, and the member organisations receiving a small stake totalling 20 per cent.

UEFA have released a statement condemning the report. They said: “This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. UEFA takes it extremely seriously.

"So should every National Football Association. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game.

"The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade - especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell."

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The venture is said to have raised concerns that private investors could put pressure on the men's World Cup being staged in countries where commercial success can be maximised. The report adds that American businessman Joshua Kushner, whose older brother Jared Kushner is married to Trump's daughter Ivanka, is seen as the main investor along with bank JP Morgan.

The 56-year-old Infantino is set to be re-elected as the FIFA president until 2031 with no competitor for his position. The move to a new model could see Infantino become commissioner, with some suggesting the salary for that position could be on par with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell who earns $64million (£48m) a year, around 10 times as much as the FIFA chief's earnings.

Infantino has come in for criticism following this summer's World Cup across North America. The ticket prices, logistics surrounding the tournament and Trump's interference, which saw USA international Folarin Balogun's ban suspended, sparked intense scrutiny.

A week after the tournament, the 56-year-old launched a tirade accusing critics of spreading hate. He posted a 15-slide, 887-word statement on Instagram, saying: "My message for all those who…

"To everyone who missed our beautiful game, the emotions, the celebrations, the laughter, the crying, the deception, and the joy. To all of you who missed watching kids, babies, grandparents, and parents come together for the beautiful game, I say sorry that the matches are now over and sorry that you missed all that joy and togetherness.

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