FIFA's latest World Cup plan branded 'pure bribery'

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FT Desk

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has been accused of bribery by one source following his controversial plans to sell shares in the World Cup to private investors.

Football's governing body is considering a major overhaul that would place the commercial rights to its flagship tournaments into a newly formed standalone company. The proposed business would oversee competitions including the men's and women's World Cups, as well as the Club World Cup. Critics have raised concerns that bringing in private investment could increase pressure to expand these tournaments or stage them more frequently than the current four-year cycle.

Under the proposal, FIFA would retain majority control of the new company, while outside investors would be able to purchase up to a 30% stake at the outset. A further 20% would be divided equally between FIFA's 211 member associations, each of which would have the option of holding onto its shares or selling them.

It is also understood that FIFA president Gianni Infantino is being earmarked to become commissioner of the new company once his final term as president comes to an end. With no challenger currently expected to contest his re-election, he is on course to remain in office until 2031.

The salary for the proposed commissioner role has yet to be determined. However, it has been suggested it could be comparable to the NFL commissioner's pay package of around $64 million a year, roughly ten times more than Infantino currently earns as FIFA president.

The plans have received widespread condemnation from fans and other organisations like UEFA, who accused FIFA of trying to sell the soul of the sport.

The Times reports that Infantino has already contacted FIFA's member associations to inform them that, if they agree with the plans, they will receive $40m, and if they don't, they will only receive $10m.

A source told the Times that Infantino's approach is "pure bribery".

The member associations have just over 50 days to make their decision.

Infantino’s letter reportedly reads: “The decision on whether or not to proceed with this proposal belongs entirely to you.

“Should you wish to proceed this $10billion package will become available as of January 1, 2027, ushering in the next phase of our journey together.

“Should you wish to retain the status quo and reject this proposal we still have our planned expansion of the Forward programme [development money] of $2.7billion as previously presented.

“In total for the upcoming cycle starting as of January 1, 2027 each member association will have the possibility of access up to $40million per member association under this proposal.”

The response

Below is a collection of official responses from organisations that have slammed Infantino's plans.

UEFA: “This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross.

"UEFA takes it extremely seriously. So should every National Football Association. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game.

"The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade - especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell.”

English FA: “We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached. Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved.

“When the proposal is shared in the full and transparent way now promised by Fifa, we will make our views clear, and comment further.”

Concacaf: “Concacaf was only made aware of this matter through media reports and, subsequently, via a media release.

“We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process.

“We share the disappointment of many within our region and the game that this level of detail has been designed and shared publicly before any discussion with the relevant governance bodies and stakeholders has taken place.

“As leaders within football, we are the custodians of the game. Collectively, FIFA, the Confederations and every Member Association have a responsibility to always act in the best interests of the sport. Every decision we make must be guided by good governance, robust processes and long-term stewardship.

"This is the framework within which Concacaf operates. We trust that all within the FIFA family will act in the same manner."