Trump links under fresh spotlight as FIFA flags unthinkable sale
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FIFA’s plans to sell a minority stake that has the potential to reshape the World Cup, the jewel in football’s crown, has been flamed by experts, with president Gianni Infantino in line to profit from the scheme.
FIFA announced its plans to create a new commercial subsidiary on Wednesday (AEST) that will operate its main events, like the World Cup, in a move that Infantino claims could triple the amount of money for member associations.
The US President is seen walking with Infantino AP Photo/Julio Cortez
The plans for the new subsidiary, known as the FIFA Forward Enterprise, will be presented to the council and additional member associations in the near future.
Infantino says the move is “about the democratisation of football worldwide”, allowing the organisation to invite external investors to purchase a minority stake.
FIFA is working with JP Morgan to set up FIFA Forward Enterprise. Thrive Capital is leading the search for investors, with the company founded by Joshua Kushner - the brother of US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared.
British media reports Infantino could benefit from the subsidiary as he is in position to take on a lucrative commissioner-like role.
But even though Infantino claims FIFA would maintain sole control over football governance, competitions, fixtures and all other decisions, pundits are not happy.
Sky Sports reported some European nations may threaten to boycott the World Cup - starting with next year’s women’s competition - if the anger between UEFA and FIFA is not addressed.
Australian great Craig Foster says the subsidiary is not about “the democratisation of football” rather “it is the commodification of it”.
He also feels Infantino’s relationship with Trump is “no longer only political”.
“The plan was reportedly discussed with the Trump administration before it was announced,” he wrote in a statement published on social media.
“The Infantino-Trump relationship ... is to be formalised in a commercial entity - permanently. The Trump orbit, inside the ownership of the World Cup.
“Prospective investors and senior officials are reportedly being asked to sign non-disclosure agreements. Football’s governing body proposes to sell a share of the World Cup while concealing who is buying it.
President Donald Trump holds the FIFA World Cup Winners Trophy as FIFA President Gianni Infantino looks on. AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin
“We know what follows. More ‘spectacle’, higher prices, formats and fixtures arranged so the biggest teams and players reach the final.”
The former Socceroos captain added that FIFA operates as a not-for-profit association under Swiss law, acting in the interest of the game not “the interests of the US administration, external capital or its own president’s next job”.
“It is already failing the commitments it holds on paper - its own climate targets, human rights policy, welfare of players ... commercial pressure is why. This does not correct that, it accelerates it, and it makes it structural,” Foster concluded.
UEFA, the governing body of European football, holds a similar view to Foster and accused FIFA of trying to sell the “soul of football”.
“This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross,” a statement released by UEFA said.
“UEFA takes it extremely seriously. So should every national football association.
“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.”
British Prime Minister Andy Burnham urged FIFA to remember that football does not belong to investors, instead it belongs to the “people who fill the stands”.
The decision of the plan now rests with the 211 members association representatives that will join the FIFA council to vote on the subsidiary.
