FIFA has issued a response to reports concerning a proposed $20 billion equity scheme for its tournaments, following a story published by the British newspaper The Times. The newspaper, citing leaked information from two sources, suggested that FIFA president Gianni Infantino, 56, could potentially profit from the scheme by serving as commissioner of the FIFA Football Entities (FFE) after his current term concludes in 2031.
According to the report, discussions have already commenced with potential investors, including an arm of JP Morgan Chase—the bank previously involved in the failed European Super League—and Joshua Kushner. In its official statement, FIFA clarified that it would maintain sole control of the FFE, retaining exclusive authority over the match calendar, football governance, competitions, and all sporting or regulatory decisions.
FIFA estimated the FFE would reach an initial equity valuation of $20 billion.
Under the proposed plan, each of FIFA's 211 member associations would be offered the opportunity to acquire a one-off stake of $20 million. While this represents only 0.1 percent of the total, FIFA noted that the investment could be significant for smaller or poorer member associations.
The organization stated that these investments, combined with existing programs, could increase its total development funding to more than $10 billion over the next four years.
The proposal has faced significant criticism. UEFA, in a sharp response, declared that the governance and soul of football should not be treated as tradeable assets. "None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA's to sell," the organization stated, adding that the move crosses a line that governing institutions should not cross.
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham also criticized the plan, stating that football is not a product. Furthermore, an anonymous senior football figure quoted by The Times described the scheme as potentially more damaging than the European Super League due to its global impact.
The Times also speculated that the creation of FFE could exert pressure to expand the World Cup and Club World Cup or increase their frequency. FIFA, which is a not-for-profit organization with tax-free status in Switzerland, previously saw a 2019 proposal for a $25 billion investment in an expanded Club World Cup rejected by a stakeholders' committee.
FIFA has since expanded that competition from seven to 32 clubs as of 2025.
In June, ahead of the World Cup, FIFA projected record revenues exceeding seven billion euros ($8 billion) for 2026, the first tournament to feature 48 teams. President Infantino has previously mentioned discussions regarding a potential expansion to 64 teams for the 2030 tournament.
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