Infantino ‘to set up’ company to sell World Cup stakes | OneFootball

Gianni Infantino is exploring a plan to bring private investment into FIFA’s flagship tournaments via a new commercial company, according to The Times. The vehicle would centralise rights for the men’s and women’s World Cups and the Club World Cup.

The move would involve selling stakes in the competitions to raise value, attract multimillion investment and overhaul international football’s management model. The report says the proposal has been reviewed by figures close to US president Donald Trump, who has reportedly given it his approval.

Between 20 and 30% could be privatised, while FIFA’s 211 national associations would receive small shareholdings that together amount to about 20% of the company, worth around 17 million each. Those holdings could later be sold by the associations.

The company could control the men’s and women’s World Cups and the Club World Cup, and might in time prompt expanded fields and a more regular schedule than the current four-year cycle.

Infantino’s FIFA term runs to 2031, and he could then chair the new entity. A consultation process is under way, with unlocking commercial potential after the 2026 World Cup a stated priority. The proposal will be presented to all 211 associations and the FIFA Council for a democratic decision.

Within football there have been calls for caution on such moves, and UEFA has warned that governing bodies must not cross certain boundaries.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo