Infantino portrays World Cup investment plan as voluntary ‘golden chance’ despite European opposition

Gianni Infantino has defended his proposal to sell equity stakes in the World Cup to private investors, insisting the scheme is a voluntary “golden opportunity” and will only proceed through what he calls a democratic process.

In a video message released after a wave of criticism, the FIFA president argued that the initiative is not being imposed on member associations and is instead the start of a formal consultation. His response followed strong objections from UEFA and several national federations, including those of England and France.

FIFA had confirmed in an official statement on Tuesday that Infantino intends to open up parts of the World Cup’s commercial rights to outside investment, offering shares to private-sector partners. Under the concept outlined, he would take on a role similar to that of a commissioner overseeing the new structure.

The announcement triggered an immediate backlash from sections of the game’s leadership in Europe, who voiced concern about the scale and implications of bringing private capital directly into football’s most lucrative competition. National associations in leading football markets such as England and France were among those to register early discontent.

Infantino stresses proposal, not obligation

Addressing those objections in remarks carried by Spanish newspaper Mundo Deportivo, Infantino sought to underline that the initiative remains at proposal stage and will be decided collectively by FIFA’s membership.

“The plan is a proposal and an offer, and it is a democratic process,” he said. “Above all, it is an opportunity, not an obligation, and it represents the beginning of a process of consultations.”

Infantino framed the project as a way to channel more money into parts of the football world that currently receive only a small slice of global revenues.

“A very small part of football’s growing commercial value reaches those who need it most in this sport,” he said, arguing that fresh investment could be used to address that imbalance.

He reiterated that the concept is intended to boost the development of the game worldwide rather than to alter the fundamental nature of the World Cup.

“This is a golden opportunity to strengthen the development of football at global level,” he added. “But I repeat, this is just a proposal and not a commitment.”

Global development at the heart of pitch

Infantino also linked the plan directly to FIFA’s stated mission of supporting emerging football nations, highlighting the example of Cape Verde as the type of country he wants to see benefit from any new funding model.

“We want to help create the next Cape Verde national team,” he said, presenting the initiative as a means of nurturing teams from smaller federations onto the world stage.

However, he was clear that the authority to accept or reject the project rests entirely with FIFA’s 211 member associations.

“Once again, this decision lies entirely with our members,” Infantino concluded, emphasising that any move to bring investors into the World Cup structure will only go ahead if it secures sufficient backing within FIFA’s decision-making bodies.

The debate over the plan comes at a time when the commercial value of the World Cup continues to rise sharply, intensifying arguments over who should control, and benefit from, the tournament’s revenues. Infantino’s proposal now enters a consultation phase in which supporters and opponents alike will seek to influence the outcome.