FIFA President Scraps Controversial Plan to Sell Future Event Profits
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has abandoned a controversial plan to sell stakes in future World Cup and FIFA event profits to private investors. The plan, led by Joshua Kushner's Thrive Eternal, faced widespread backlash from European soccer federations, FIFA executives,…
Philadelphia, PA, July 31, 2026 —
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has withdrawn a contentious proposal to sell stakes in the profits of future World Cup and other FIFA events to private investors. The plan, spearheaded by Joshua Kushner’s Thrive Eternal, encountered significant opposition from various soccer bodies, leading to its abandonment.
The proposed deal aimed to establish a new entity, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would have sought to raise $4.2 billion by valuing the future revenue streams at $20 billion. Under the terms of the proposal, member federations were slated to receive $20 million each.
However, the plan generated substantial backlash. European soccer federations, FIFA executives, and global soccer leagues voiced strong objections, with some even threatening boycotts. Critics argued that the proposal risked prioritizing commercial interests over the fundamental integrity of the sport. Concerns were also raised about the potential disruption to existing revenue streams within club soccer.
The decision to scrap the deal comes at a time when Infantino faces criticism for a perceived lack of consultation with stakeholders regarding the proposal. The controversy has also reportedly cast a shadow over his leadership position within the organization.
The contractor involved in leading this initiative was identified as Joshua Kushner’s Thrive Eternal. The specific timeline for when the plan was fully abandoned was not provided.
Story summarized from the original created by GRAHAM DUNBAR on www.inquirer.com, see more information here.
