FIFA Adviser Quits as World Cup Sell-Off Plan Sparks Global Revolt

Cordeiro, a former U.S. Soccer Federation vice president, labeled the scheme to create a subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, as an attempt to mortgage the future of football without justification. The plan envisions bringing in external investors, with Thrive Capital—founded by Joshua Kushner—expected to lead the group. Despite the backlash, FIFA maintains that the consultation process remains democratic and insists it will not proceed without majority support from its 211 member associations.

Opposition has intensified rapidly, with UEFA leading the charge by threatening a total boycott of all FIFA tournaments. While the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have voiced solidarity with European leadership, the internal consensus is not absolute. Some nations, including the Czech Republic, have signaled interest in the potential financial windfall, which Infantino claims could net each member association $40 million. As the debate escalates, critics like Football Supporters Europe argue that the sport's value, built by fans and players, should not be extracted for private gain.