FIFA President Gianni Infantino's controversial plan to partially privatise World Cup commercial rights has collapsed following fierce opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC, leaving his leadership in jeopardy and prompting calls for his impeachment.
The Failed Privatisation Plan
Infantino, who assumed office a decade ago after a coup against Sepp Blatter, attempted to capitalise on the euphoria of a successful 2026 World Cup to push through a partial privatisation package. Without consulting regional bodies, FIFA's leadership created a commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to sell a 20-30 per cent stake in World Cup commercial rights to private investors, led by Joshua Kushner, brother of Trump's son-in-law Jared. The plan aimed to raise a minimum of $20 billion.
To entice support, Infantino dangled a $40 million award to every association that voted for his plans, with an advance of $30 million promised to each federation by 1 January, 2027. However, this move was widely condemned as an attempt to commercialise the soul of football.
UEFA's Knockout Punch
The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), representing 55 of FIFA's 211 members, delivered a decisive blow by threatening to boycott FIFA if the plan proceeded. Such a boycott could split FIFA, with Europe potentially organising a parallel World Cup. UEFA declared the attempted privatisation 'unacceptable' and warned that 'the soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially.'
UEFA also sent FIFA a preservation letter, demanding all evidence be kept, as the matter could lead to legal action.
Global Opposition
CONCACAF, the North American confederation, joined UEFA in rejecting the plan. The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) also declared solidarity with UEFA and CONCACAF, calling the actions 'totally unacceptable.' However, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) did not take a concrete position, which was seen as an indirect endorsement.
Infantino's Retreat
As opposition mounted, FIFA officials distanced themselves from the plan. Arsene Wenger, FIFA's head of global football development, said he was 'not aware' of the gambit. In a joint statement, Infantino and FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström acknowledged mistakes: 'We acknowledge mistakes were made in the process of the proposed establishment of FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). It was certainly not the intention for the FIFA Council and FIFA Member Associations to feel excluded from the process and it should have been handled differently.' They added that the proposal was 'now off the table' and warned against attacks on FIFA's integrity.
Impeachment Options
Despite the retreat, UEFA insisted this 'must not be the end of the story,' implying Infantino must fall. The AFC demanded that future actions be 'shaped through proper consultation.'
Options for replacing Infantino include impeachment, requiring 41 member associations to call for an extraordinary congress, with a simple majority needed to pass. Alternatively, his case could be referred to the FIFA Independent Ethics Committee, which removed Sepp Blatter.
Other Controversies
Infantino faces accusations of taking dictation from US President Donald Trump, who intervened to overturn a red card for USA striker Folarin Balogun at the 2026 World Cup. FIFA suspended the ban, allowing Balogun to play against Belgium, which won 4-1. Infantino also allegedly removed two chairmen and all but two members of the Ethics Committee, and influenced the candidature of Ahmad Ahmad as CAF president.
The 2026 World Cup, held in the US, Mexico, and Canada, was a commercial success, generating $13-15 billion in revenue, with broadcasting rights alone earning $4.2 billion. The tournament expanded to 48 teams and 104 matches, with Spain taking the title and $51 million in prize money. However, the controversy now threatens Infantino's tenure.
The 77th FIFA Congress in Rabat, Morocco, on 18 March, 2027, offers another opportunity to vote him out. As it stands, Infantino is a danger to world football.
