What you need to know about FIFA's private investment plan — and the backlash

Less than two weeks since the conclusion of the FIFA World Cup 2026, soccer is once again front-page news thanks to a new private-investment proposal by FIFA president Gianni Infantino that's triggered significant backlash. Here's what you need to know.

Fifa boss Gianni Infantino is a man of many ideas. His latest and most controversial yet is the proposal to invite external investors to claim a stake in the global soccer federation, with a company linked to US President Donald Trump leading the process.

FIFA’s announcement of its new project was not merely a passing commercial move. Within days, it had become one of the most controversial issues in the history of the game. Whilst FIFA insists the project aims to increase financial resources and expand support for national associations, European stakeholders believe it

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Supporters see the proposal as a way to generate unprecedented funding for football development worldwide, while critics fear it could erode transparency, weaken governance and place commercial interests ahead of the game's long-term integrity.

FIFA on Tuesday announced it was seeking to launch FIFA Forward Enterprise.