FIFA President Gianni Infantino has given the organisation’s 211 member federations until Sept. 19 to decide whether to accept a proposal tied to a new private investment plan that would reshape the commercial structure of the World Cup.
The proposal would establish a $20 billion FIFA subsidiary, with 20 percent owned by private investors, to oversee FIFA competitions including the men’s and women’s World Cups and the Club World Cup.
If approved by a majority of members, each federation would receive a one-off $20 million payment linked to the commercial cycle for the 2030 men’s World Cup.
The plan is backed by Thrive Capital, the investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner, with J.P. Morgan leading the investment process.
Infantino described the proposal in a letter as a "singular and unique funding opportunity."
“It is my duty and responsibility as FIFA president to present such game-changing opportunities to you, our members,” he wrote.
The proposal has prompted immediate opposition from several football organisations.
UEFA said there is "significant and growing opposition" to the plan and argued that "the World Cup is not FIFA’s to sell."
The organisation is preparing an emergency online meeting with its 55 member associations, while some European officials have raised the possibility of a boycott of FIFA competitions.
CONCACAF said it was "deeply concerned by the lack of due process," while the Asian Football Confederation expressed disappointment that the proposal became public before member discussions had taken place.
The European Football Clubs group also criticised the process, saying it learned of the proposal through media reports rather than direct consultation.
Under the proposal, member federations rejecting the plan would instead receive the previously promised $10 million in FIFA funding over the next four years.
Infantino said approval would allow a broader pool of international investors to join Thrive Capital as anchor investor through the new FIFA Forward Enterprise subsidiary.
Critics argue that private investment could increase pressure to expand competitions and generate additional revenue, potentially changing the commercial direction of the World Cup.
The proposal represents the latest major initiative during Infantino’s presidency and comes as he is expected to seek a fourth and final term as FIFA president through 2031.
The presidential election is scheduled for March in Rabat, Morocco.