EU to assess legality of FIFA’s $20bn World Cup investment scheme amid Trump-linked controversy

The European Commission says it is closely monitoring FIFA’s proposal to attract external investment for the management of its competitions, following mounting controversy over the plan’s links to associates of US president Donald Trump.

FIFA is exploring the creation of a new subsidiary valued at $20bn to run the World Cup and other major tournaments, with up to 20% of the new entity to be offered to private-sector investors.

According to details that have emerged, part of the plan involves selling a share of the commercial rights to the World Cup to private investment funds connected to circles around President Trump, prompting intense political and sporting debate in Europe and beyond.

A European Commission spokesperson, quoted by Reuters, confirmed on Thursday that Brussels is “watching closely” how the project develops and will pay particular attention to any concerns raised about its compatibility with European law.

The spokesperson said the Commission stands ready to examine any formal complaints it may receive regarding FIFA’s investment structure. Any such complaint would be assessed to ensure the governing body’s plans are in line with existing EU rules and regulations.

Strong opposition in Europe, concerns in Asia

The European football authorities have already taken a firm stance against the proposal. The article notes that UEFA has announced its outright rejection of FIFA’s investment plan, underlining a serious rift between the world governing body and Europe’s most powerful confederation over the future control and commercialisation of flagship tournaments.

In Asia, the response has been more cautious but still sceptical. The Asian Football Confederation has expressed reservations about the scheme, calling for thorough consultations before any final decision is made on restructuring how FIFA’s competitions are run and financed.

While the Commission has not yet launched a formal investigation, its decision to publicly acknowledge that it is tracking the issue signals that the plan could face regulatory scrutiny if stakeholders seek EU intervention.

FIFA’s initiative, if implemented, would mark a significant shift in how global football’s most valuable properties are managed, transferring a portion of their commercial exploitation to private investors. That prospect, coupled with the reported involvement of funds tied to figures close to President Trump, has intensified concerns among European football bodies and policymakers about governance, transparency and control over the World Cup’s future.