Infantino Sells the World Cup to Trump: The Incredible Plan. UEFA Ready to Boycott
The latest idea from the Gianni Infantino-Donald Trump duo is shaking up the world of soccer. In the wake of the economic success of the last World Cup held in North America, rumors have surfaced about a plan that is sparking fierce controversy. According to the Financial Times, FIFA wants to sell off a portion of the World Cup’s value—$4.2 billion (about 20 percent of the total)—to private investors, reportedly including the Kushner family, Trump’s son-in-law’s family. The rumors have been confirmed by FIFA, which explained that this is a plan to “unlock soccer’s commercial potential.” Under this plan, the 211 national associations would each receive approximately 20 million euros.
The investors would thus become co-owners of the World Cup, which would end up in private hands. All federations will be asked to approve the project, and Infantino is expected to be named CEO of the company (to be called FIFA Forward Enterprise) at the end of his presidential term. FIFA would retain exclusive control over soccer governance, competitions, the match schedule, and all regulatory and sporting decisions.
Here are Infantino’s statements on the matter: “Certain sectors of soccer have been able to transform this popularity into significant commercial value, and we celebrate this success and hope it continues, because it elevates the entire soccer system. Our task is to ensure that the rest of soccer grows in tandem: FIFA exists to support sustainable and inclusive development in every corner of the world”.
UEFA reacted strongly: “This crosses a line that the institutions governing soccer should never cross. UEFA takes this matter extremely seriously. The soul and governance of soccer are not commodities to be bartered, especially when it is unclear who stands to benefit financially. None of us owns soccer. It is not up to FIFA to sell it.” According to Sky News, there is already talk of a boycott of the World Cup if this plan were to go ahead.
