FIFA World Cup Privatization Plan Collapses After Revolt

FIFA’s World Cup privatization plan has been withdrawn after an internal revolt over secrecy, governance and private ownership of tournament commercial rights. President Gianni Infantino spent about a year developing FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a proposed subsidiary that would manage commercial rights for the men’s and women’s World Cups. The FIFA privatization plan called for selling roughly 20% to 21% of FFE to private investors at an implied valuation of $20 billion. The deal could have raised about $4.2 billion. Thrive Eternal, led by venture capitalist Joshua Kushner, was identified as the prospective investor. The proposal also promised to increase annual funding for FIFA’s 211 member associations from about $8 million-$10 million to as much as $40 million from 2027. However, many FIFA governing council members were reportedly excluded from the process. After details leaked in late July, officials questioned the plan’s structure and its impact on FIFA’s nonprofit status, profit distribution and control of World Cup rights. Infantino formally withdrew the FIFA privatization plan on July 31, 2026, saying the proposal had created divisions contrary to FIFA’s interests. The proposed $20 billion valuation was never tested in a market transaction. FIFA’s existing funding model will remain in place, while debate over sports commercialization and private investment in major sporting rights is likely to continue.