FIFA President Gianni Infantino has unveiled a plan to create a $20 billion private company to manage the revamped Club World Cup, with a reported investment from Josh Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner. The proposal, announced on Tuesday, has immediately drawn sharp criticism from UEFA, European football's governing body.
According to sources, the plan involves selling a stake in the new tournament to a consortium including Kushner's investment firm, Thrive Capital. The move is seen as an attempt to secure massive private funding for the expanded 32-team Club World Cup, set to debut in 2025.
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin reportedly expressed strong opposition, arguing that the FIFA plan undermines the traditional football structure and prioritizes private profit over the sport's integrity. UEFA has threatened legal action, claiming the tournament would overload the calendar and harm player welfare.
Infantino defended the proposal, stating it would generate unprecedented revenue for global football development. However, critics, including several national leagues and player unions, have voiced concerns about the influence of private investors in football governance.
The FIFA Council is expected to discuss the plan further in the coming weeks, with a final decision likely at the next FIFA Congress. The controversy highlights growing tensions between FIFA and UEFA over the future of international club competitions.
