European Football Leaders Oppose Infantino's Reported World Cup Investment Plan

European football leaders have voiced strong opposition to reports that FIFA President Gianni Infantino is exploring the sale of investment stakes tied to the FIFA World Cup, according to Chris Cwik of Yahoo Sports.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino faces criticism over reported plans involving World Cup commercial investments. [Photo: Omar David Sandoval Sida, Wikimedia Commons]

FIFA, a not-for-profit organization, is projected to generate approximately US$15 billion during the 2022-2026 World Cup cycle, making its commercial rights highly attractive to private investors.

However, UEFA, European football's governing body, said it firmly opposes the proposal, noting that Infantino has pursued similar commercial initiatives since 2015.

"This crosses a line that football's governing institutions should never cross," UEFA said in a statement.

"The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade—especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA's to sell."

Other regional football confederations also expressed deep concern over the reported proposal.

In 2018, Infantino sought a US$25 billion investment deal involving SoftBank and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund to create new international football competitions, but the proposal ultimately collapsed because of insufficient support.

He also explored plans for a FIFA streaming platform with former U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, although that initiative likewise failed to materialize.