Infantino sells the World Cup and shakes up soccer: no Trump-style negotiations or threats. UEFA reacts

The world of soccer is heading toward a dramatic split: FIFA President Gianni Infantino, despite the controversy, is pressing ahead with his plan to sell a portion of the World Cup to private investment funds to raise billions through FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE): the newly formed commercial enterprise will be tasked with managing the rights to the World Cup for national teams and the Club World Cup, and its partners will include the U.S. bank JP Morgan and the Thrive Eternal fund, led by the family of Donald Trump’s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

Infantino sent a letter to all 211 national associations, explaining that those who join the FFE project will immediately receive a one-time payment of $20 million, with annual contributions for the following four-year period ranging from $2 million to $5 million. These are irresistible incentives, especially for smaller countries. Furthermore, Infantino has threatened retaliation against those who do not fall in line, with an immediate 75% cut in FIFA funds.

UEFA has convened an emergency council meeting with all 55 European federations, which will have to respond to Infantino: “Today we learned that FIFA has set a deadline for the federations: if they do not support its proposals, the offer of a one-time payment will be withdrawn. This speaks volumes about everything there is to know regarding this plan,” reads the federation’s statement. However, after discussing the matter with numerous stakeholders in the world of soccer, UEFA is aware that there is significant and growing opposition to FIFA’s plan. FIFA cannot continue to exploit our sport to enrich itself and its friends. We can grow soccer the right way. It’s time to prioritize the federations, clubs, leagues, players, and fans.”

FIGC President Malagò also joined UEFA’s criticism: “The UEFA General Secretary called me to offer the opportunity to hold a video conference with Europe’s most prestigious soccer federations; it was a sign of great prestige and consideration on UEFA’s part. I had already received a series of documents last night regarding this project, which I do not wish to discuss in detail. It’s a unique project from FIFA. Today, during the video conference, President Ceferin expressed an opinion that was, to put it mildly, opposed to the plan; tomorrow there will be a sort of meeting with all the European federations. It seems to me that some people are already taking sides even outside the realm of soccer. The situation between FIFA and UEFA today is one of total conflict. Honestly, I could have done without this in recent days. We’ll issue a statement tomorrow; we’re in Europe and we’re members of UEFA. We’re just waiting to set out our formal position.”