FIFA president Gianni Infantino has been in talks with private investors, including associates of the Trump family, about selling stakes in the World Cup. This move would take control of the global tournament out of FIFA’s hands and give private entities a seat at the table.
Concerns Over Corruption and Transparency
UEFA has strongly condemned Infantino and FIFA for entertaining the privatization plan, stating that the soul and governance of football are not assets to trade. The report also mentions that Josh Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, is positioned to be the lead investor in the plan.
The World Cup would be split off from FIFA and into a new corporation, with Infantino as its commissioner. Each of the 211 member nations would get a stake in the new company worth approximately $20M, putting a valuation on the entity at $4.22B. However, this amount seems paltry, and it appears that the plan is designed to allow member nations to sell their stakes in desperation, potentially putting the controlling interest of the World Cup in the hands of private ownership.
Original reporting: All Sports Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
