FIFA proposes plan to sell stakes in the World Cup, angering UEFA
FIFA has proposed selling a 20 percent stake in the World Cup and other events to private investors to raise $4.2 billion. The plan has faced strong opposition from UEFA, which argues that such commercialization crosses a fundamental institutional line.
Why it matters
This represents a major shift in the business model of global sports governance, potentially changing how international tournaments are funded and managed.
Football’s world governing body announces plans to sell stakes of up to 20 percent in the World Cup and other events.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info US President Donald Trump and FIFA President Gianni Infantino with the World Cup trophy [Mark J Rebilas/Reuters] By Al Jazeera Staff and Reuters Published On 29 Jul 2026 29 Jul 2026 FIFA has proposed a plan to sell stakes in the World Cup and other events to private investors, provoking a furious response from the European football governing body, UEFA.
Under the plans announced by FIFA on Tuesday, a $20bn subsidiary would be created to run the World Cup and other events.
World football’s governing body said it would retain a majority share in the new FIFA Forward Enterprise, offering minority stakes to external investment to raise up to $4.2bn.
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