‘Ludicrous proposal’ has damaged FIFA’s credibility – Former vice president Jim Boyce

Former FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce has called on Gianni Infantino and football’s world governing body to rebuild trust with supporters after abandoning plans to sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors, describing the proposal as “ludicrous”.

FIFA’s plan, which aimed to raise up to $4.2 billion by selling around a 20% stake in a new commercial entity responsible for its competitions, including the World Cup, triggered widespread criticism from football stakeholders.

The proposal was unveiled last week but quickly faced opposition, with UEFA warning that it could boycott FIFA events and accusing the organisation of risking the “soul” of the sport.

Although FIFA defended the move, insisting the investment would generate additional revenue for football development globally, Boyce believes the idea was fundamentally wrong for an organisation whose primary purpose is promoting the game.

“There’s no way that this should be sold to investors,” Boyce told Reuters.

“If you invest, you’re looking to make money out of that investment. FIFA is a non-profit organisation. To promote football throughout the world, they don’t need outside investors.”

Infantino faces battle to restore confidence

The backlash has increased pressure on Infantino, who is preparing to seek a fourth term as FIFA president at next year’s election in Morocco.

Boyce believes the controversy has created a major challenge for the Swiss administrator, who must now convince football associations and supporters that FIFA remains focused on the interests of the game.

“The average football fan has been sickened by what has happened. They are willing to see what repair work is going to be done,” Boyce said.

“The president of FIFA is a very high-ranking position. And now, if he wants to retain his position, he’s got to start the repair work caused by the damage from what I can only describe as a ludicrous suggestion.”

Infantino, who replaced Sepp Blatter in 2016, has twice been re-elected without opposition. However, the latest controversy has reportedly weakened his position, with concerns emerging from within FIFA’s confederations.

UEFA and CONCACAF have publicly expressed concerns over his leadership, while senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned and described the investment proposal as “a bad deal for football”.

Boyce believes Infantino still has time to recover support but warned that the damage cannot be ignored.

“He’s got eight months where somehow he’s got to get the credibility back. He’s got to get the credibility back within, obviously, the member associations.”

“But this has been a big blow to Infantino.”

Calls for FIFA to reconnect with supporters

Beyond the investor proposal, Boyce also criticised FIFA’s handling of broader issues affecting fans, including ticket pricing at the 2026 World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, the use of VAR, and recent disciplinary decisions.

He argued that FIFA must return to its core responsibility of protecting the interests of ordinary supporters rather than focusing on commercial expansion.

“FIFA has got to get back to what FIFA is meant to do, and that’s to promote the game of football for the average football supporter.”

Boyce expressed particular concern over ticket prices at the recent World Cup, insisting that fans should not be priced out of attending football’s biggest tournament.

“The greatest thrill is their country qualifying for a World Cup. These prices in America were absolutely ludicrous…”

He also questioned FIFA’s decision to overturn the automatic suspension given to Folarin Balogun following his red card against Bosnia and Herzegovina, describing the intervention as a mistake.

“This overturning of the red card was a terrible decision made by FIFA. It should never have happened…”

The former FIFA executive further called for a review of VAR, arguing that the technology should only intervene in situations involving obvious refereeing errors.

“VAR should only be used for a clear and deliberate mistake by the referee on the pitch who has taken charge of that game.”