Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, faces growing scrutiny over his proposal to sell commercial rights to the World Cup, which could significantly increase his salary if approved. According to official figures released by FIFA, Infantino currently earns $4.8 million annually, with $2.6 million in base pay and $2.2 million in bonuses. If the proposed restructuring goes through, his income would jump to $64 million per year, according to reports from Spanish newspaper El País. This dramatic rise hinges on the creation of a new entity called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), designed to manage commercial operations and organize major football events. The initiative involves private investors, including firms linked to Donald Trump’s inner circle, and requires approval from the majority of FIFA's member associations by September 19. The proposal was announced shortly after the recent World Cup held in North America, during which Infantino emphasized the need to "sell" the tournament to private investors. Under this plan, the FFE would be controlled by FIFA but operate as a separate company, offering shares to private investors and national football associations. Thrive Capital, owned by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Jared Kushner, who married Ivanka Trump, and advised by JP Morgan, is leading efforts to attract investors. The structure aims to distribute $20 million annually to each of the 211 member nations over the next three years, nearly tripling their current allocation of $8 million per year. FIFA claims the move would allow the organization to maximize revenue from broadcasting rights, sponsorships, ticket sales, and licensing across all its tournaments, both men’s and women’s, as well as youth competitions. However, the proposal has sparked immediate opposition, particularly from European football authorities. The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) has strongly criticized the plan, arguing that it crosses ethical boundaries by treating football governance as a commodity to be sold. In a formal statement, UEFA emphasized that the sport’s soul and governance should not be subject to commercialization without transparency regarding who benefits financially. It further stated that no one owns football, and therefore, FIFA does not have the right to sell it. UEFA’s stance reflects broader concerns among football stakeholders about the potential consequences of such a shift. The organization, led by Slovenian president Aleksander Ceferin, warned that the proposal risks undermining the integrity of the game and alienating fans, clubs, leagues, players, and governments. Ceferin has been considered a possible successor to Infantino, adding weight to UEFA’s opposition. The controversy highlights deep divisions within global football governance, with some factions advocating for greater financial autonomy through private investment, while others prioritize preserving the sport’s traditional structures and values. The timeline of events began with the announcement of the FFE initiative following the recent World Cup. Since then, FIFA has engaged in consultations with member associations, seeking their support before finalizing the restructuring. The deadline for responses is set for September 19, after which the proposal will either proceed or face rejection based on the outcome of these discussions. Meanwhile, the involvement of high-profile entities like Thrive Capital and JP Morgan has raised questions about the influence of political connections in shaping the future of international football. The debate over the commercialization of the World Cup underscores the tension between modernizing football’s financial model and safeguarding its cultural and competitive essence. While Infantino argues that the plan will provide much-needed resources to national associations and enhance the sport’s global reach, critics warn of the risks associated with allowing private interests to hold significant sway over one of the world’s most iconic sporting events. With the decision looming, the football community awaits the outcome of the vote, which could redefine the economic landscape of the sport for decades to come.
3 reports
La TerceraIndependent🔒CenterFactual 90Objective 552 days agoGianni Infantino, president of FIFA, has proposed selling commercial rights to the World Cup through a new entity called FIFA Forward Enterprise, aiming to raise $20 billion. This would allow member associations to receive up to $86 million by 2038. However, this proposal has been strongly opposed by UEFA, which argues that football’s governance and soul cannot be commodified without transparency. UEFA emphasized that no organization owns football and criticized FIFA for attempting to sell it. FIFA stated it is exploring ways to maximize revenue from broadcasting and sponsorships across all its tournaments, working with firms like JP Morgan and Thrive Capital.
Bias read (Center): The article presents both FIFA's proposal and UEFA's opposition without overtly favoring either side. It includes direct quotes from both organizations and provides background on the financial motivations and ethical concerns raised. There is no clear ideological framing or biased language.
Why factuality (90): The article accurately reports the core elements of the FIFA proposal, including the creation of FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), the funding amounts per member association, and the involvement of private investors like Thrive Capital and JP Morgan. However, it omits some details from the primary sour
Why objectivity (55): The article presents the proposal in a highly critical light, using terms like 'privatizar el Mundial' and 'genera repudio de la UEFA', suggesting a strong bias against the initiative. While it provides factual information, the tone and framing lean towards criticism of the proposed changes, indicat
La TerceraIndependent🔒CenterFactual 85Objective 50yesterday The exorbitant salary that Gianni Infantino will earn if he manages to sell the World CupThe article discusses Gianni Infantino's potential significant increase in salary if he successfully sells the World Cup. Currently, Infantino earns $4.8 million annually as FIFA president, but this could rise to $64 million if the proposal is approved. The plan involves creating a new entity called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would be controlled by FIFA and managed by Infantino. This structure would allow private investors to hold up to 30% of the company while providing immediate financial benefits to member federations. However, the proposal has faced opposition, particularly from the European Union Football Association (UEFA), which opposes selling the most important football event for personal enrichment. The final decision on the proposal is expected by September 19.
Bias read (Center): While the article covers a politically sensitive issue involving high-level international sports governance and potential conflicts of interest, it presents the information objectively without overtly favoring any particular side. It reports on both the proposed financial incentives for Infantino as
Why factuality (85): The article correctly identifies the financial incentives for Gianni Infantino if the World Cup is sold and mentions the involvement of Thrive Capital and JP Morgan. It references the creation of FIFA Forward Enterprise and the increased funding for member associations. However, it lacks detailed in
Why objectivity (50): The article focuses primarily on the personal financial gain of Gianni Infantino, presenting the proposal in a way that emphasizes individual reward rather than the broader implications for football development. This focus suggests a biased perspective, prioritizing the president's potential earning
La TerceraIndependent🔒Progressive4 hr. ago Loses its main ally in FIFA: Gianni Infantino's advisor resigns after World Cup put on saleGianni Infantino, presidente de la FIFA, enfrenta críticas tras anunciar la propuesta de vender una participación en la Copa del Mundo mediante la iniciativa 'FIFA Forward Enterprise'. Su principal asesor, Carlos Cordeiro, renunció públicamente a través de una carta en LinkedIn, afirmando que no participó en la elaboración de la propuesta y se opone firmemente a la venta. Cordeiro argumenta que la FIFA ya dispone de recursos financieros suficientes y que vender una participación en el evento más valioso del fútbol sería perjudicial a largo plazo. Además, cuestiona la falta de transparencia y respuestas claras sobre el proceso, la supervisión y los beneficios para los inversores.
Bias read (Progressive): El artículo presenta la postura de Carlos Cordeiro, quien se opone a la venta de una participación en el Mundial, argumentando que la FIFA ya tiene recursos suficientes y que la propuesta es perjudicial a largo plazo. El tono critica la propuesta como 'mal acuerdo' y 'hipotecar el futuro del fútbol'
★
Keep the news honest.
ObjectiveNews is reader-funded and ad-free — we show you the bias instead of hiding it. Support independent journalism for €5/month.
Become a Supporter
CL
