Internal revolt erupts at FIFA over World Cup stake sale

The proposal to create a $20-billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, would offload up to 20% of the governing body's commercial assets to external investors, including Joshua Kushner’s Thrive Capital. The plan has ignited a firestorm within the sport's leadership. FIFA’s Chief Operating Officer, Kevin Lamour, publicly accused Infantino of deceiving staff, characterizing the initiative as a unilateral project driven by personal interest rather than the needs of the game.

Opposition is now crossing continental lines. UEFA’s 55 member nations have unanimously voted to boycott all FIFA tournaments, while the Asian Football Confederation and CONCACAF have issued formal rejections. Despite this mounting pressure, FIFA leadership maintains that the consultation process will continue, insisting that the decision rests with its 211 member associations. Infantino has attempted to sway the vote by promising a $40-million payout to any association that supports the proposal by September 19.

Critics argue the move threatens the integrity of the sport. Stuart Dykes of Football Supporters Europe described the plan as an attempt to extract value for private investors behind closed doors. With UEFA, CONCACAF, and the AFC representing 143 of FIFA's members, the math is increasingly difficult for Infantino, though the loyalty of individual national associations remains a volatile variable in the upcoming re-election cycle.