Asian soccer body joins opposition to FIFA and Infantino’s World Cup private equity plan

Asian soccer body joins opposition to FIFA and Infantino’s World Cup private equity plan  Toronto Star

Asia’s soccer body has joined opposition to Gianni Infantino’s plan for private investors to buy stakes in the World Cup

World Cup 2026AFC attacks FIFA's 'unilateral actions' as member associations weigh cash on offerU.S. leader Donald Trump, left, speaks with FIFA President Gianni Infantino as confetti falls after the World Cup final between Spain and Argentina in New Jersey on July 19. © APJOHN DUERDENJuly 31, 2026 12:02 JSTLONDON -- F

UEFA member federations agreed to boycott all FIFA competitions in protest of Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private equity investors. NBC News' Jesse Kirsch and Rohan Nadkarni report.

European nations agreed Thursday to boycott the World Cup and all other FIFA competitions to protest Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell stakes in soccer’s biggest tournament to private equity investors. The North American soccer body rejected his plan later the same day.

The FIFA project would be underwritten by a New York investment vehicle, Thrive Eternal, created by Joshua Kushner, the brother of US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Opposition to FIFA's World Cup private equity plan grows as Asia warns of risks and Europeans meet  AP News

The notion of Gianni Infantino seeking to sell off a newly minted FIFA commercial arm to a Trump-connected private equity fund is not a beautiful idea.

Down to Business with Asli Pelit takes you through the exciting, fast-paced (and sometimes confusing) corporate side of women's soccer.