Opposition to Infantino's Investment Plan Widens

The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) is engulfed in an unprecedented historical crisis that threatens the future of its president, Gianni Infantino, amid a growing wave of outright rejection from continental federations and prominent political and sporting figures of his plan to privatize portions of the commercial rights to the World Cup.

The 55 national member associations of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) voted unanimously to boycott all FIFA competitions, including the World Cup (men’s, women’s, and club), if the plan proceeds.

This acute crisis erupted following the announcement of Infantino’s investment plan, which triggered political and sporting reactions that have continued to escalate, threatening his tenure at the helm of FIFA.

The plan involves selling a stake of up to 20% to private-sector investors led by the American investment firm Thrive Capital, managed by Joshua Kushner, brother-in-law of former U.S. President Donald Trump.