European football's governing body UEFA has strongly criticised reports that FIFA president Gianni Infantino is considering selling stakes in the men's FIFA World Cup to investors, saying the proposal crosses a "line" and arguing that the tournament "is not FIFA's to sell."
According to reports from the Financial Times and The Times, FIFA is examining a plan that would allow it to maintain majority control of the World Cup while selling minority stakes to its 211 member associations and private investors. The proposal is reportedly part of a broader effort to increase football development funding beyond $10 billion (£7.5 billion).
FIFA has said it aims to boost investment in football globally, subject to approval from its member associations. However, the reports have drawn a strong reaction from UEFA, which has frequently clashed with Infantino in recent years.
"This crosses a line that football's governing institutions should never cross," UEFA said in a statement.
"UEFA takes it extremely seriously. So should every National Football Association. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game.
"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."
The reports suggest FIFA would continue to oversee the World Cup while introducing outside investment through a new commercial framework. The Times reported that the plan could potentially allow Infantino to take up a role as "commissioner" of the World Cup after his presidency ends in 2031, which could become a highly profitable position.
The investment proposal is reportedly expected to be led by Joshua Kushner through his Thrive Eternal fund. The fund, launched by venture capital firm Thrive Capital, focuses on acquiring long-term stakes in franchises and cultural organisations.
Earlier this year, Thrive Eternal acquired a minority stake in Major League Baseball's San Francisco Giants. Joshua Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, who is married to Ivanka Trump, the daughter of US President Donald Trump. Former Disney CEO Bob Iger serves as an adviser to Thrive Eternal.
FIFA has not issued any public response to the reports so far.
The controversy comes shortly after the conclusion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Last week, Infantino defended FIFA's management of the tournament in a lengthy 900-word statement shared through Instagram and FIFA's website.
He called the event "the best show in the world" and said it had delivered "joy and togetherness" to millions of supporters.
"Sorry that you were so consumed by hate and criticism that you missed it all," Infantino wrote, targeting what he described as people spreading "hate and false rumours."
The FIFA president added: "Every city was packed with fans from all around the globe. While they celebrated, you were busy planting seeds of hate."
FIFA and Infantino faced criticism during the World Cup over several issues, including concerns involving Iranian team officials, a Somali referee, visa-related problems for some fans attempting to enter the United States, claims of political influence by US President Donald Trump in the handling of Folarin Balogun's suspension after a red card, record ticket prices and commercial breaks introduced midway through both halves of all 104 matches.
