FIFA Scraps Infantino’s World Cup Investment Plan
FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s ambitious plan to sell a minority stake in a new World Cup commercial venture has completely collapsed following the withdrawal of key financial backers, according to reports in the United States.
The project, known as FIFA Forward Enterprise, has been halted after major prospective investors—including Wall Street giant JP Morgan—pulled out of negotiations.
The collapse marks a dramatic end to FIFA’s attempt to establish a novel investment model designed to generate billions in additional revenue from its flagship tournament. Under the proposed structure, the newly formed subsidiary was set to handle all commercial activities and hosting events, while FIFA maintained total control over sporting and regulatory matters.
FIFA had aimed to raise $4.2bn by selling a non-controlling minority stake in a deal that valued the enterprise at roughly $20bn. The governing body insisted that all proceeds would be reinvested directly into grassroots and elite football development across the globe.
However, the initiative sparked immediate and intense opposition from powerful figures across the sport. Continental confederations—including UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and South America’s CONMEBOL—flatly rejected the proposal, fearing a loss of commercial control and further scheduling congestion.
That widespread institutional pushback, paired with the sudden exit of key institutional investors, ultimately dealt a fatal blow to the venture, forcing FIFA to shelve the project entirely.
