FIFA chief’s plan to have $20 billion Kushner-backed outfit run World Cup sparks outcry

FIFA President Gianni Infantino's plan to establish a $20 billion company, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to manage the World Cup and other competitions with private investors, including the Kushner family, has sparked immediate backlash from UEFA. UEFA stated, "It is not FIFA’s to sell. None of us are the owners of football." FFE aims to raise up to $4.2 billion by selling minority, non-controlling interests, with an initial equity valuation of $20 billion. This initiative, which FIFA claims will democratize football and provide up to $20 million in one-off capital to its 211 member federations, is being facilitated by JP Morgan and involves investors like Thrive Eternal, founded by Joshua Kushner. UEFA has strongly condemned the plan, calling it a move that "crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross," citing a lack of transparency and concerns about the financial beneficiaries.