This is the news that confirms everything that we have felt throughout this summer’s World Cup. FIFA President Gianni Infantino is in Donald Trump’s pocket, probably because he can expect an even bigger payout than the millions he already receives.
Luckily, people have reacted, even those with force, so we’re keeping our fingers crossed that the project is stopped and that Gianni Infantino is fired.
Read: Gianni Infantino’s leaked letter to the Argentine Football Federation
Threat of World Cup boycott – crisis meeting about Gianni Infantino
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is in the middle of a storm of criticism. Now European countries are considering boycotting the World Cup – and an emergency emergency meeting has been called.
Uefa and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham have come out strongly against FIFA’s new plans to bring in private investors in the World Cup and other tournaments. The International Football Federation wants to expand the “football development fund” to over $10 billion – and invite third parties into a new company. – Then they are completely free to pay money to Donald Trump and his family as well as Infantino without access to anyone.
According to The Times, the plans could potentially give FIFA president Gianni Infantino tens of millions of pounds personally. FIFA denies that Infantino will become CEO of the new company, but says that he and the rest of the organization “have a duty” to control the project – without specifying exactly what that entails.
Uefa: “Crossing a line”
Uefa has already issued a sharp statement:
Prime Minister Andy Burnham was no less clear:
Could lead to World Cup boycott
According to Sky News, Uefa countries are now considering holding an emergency virtual meeting this week to discuss opposition to FIFA’s plans. A boycott of the World Cup is reportedly on the table if Infantino refuses to resign and reconsider his strategy.
It underlines the seriousness of the situation: For the first time in many years, we may be facing a real division in world football.
The Trump family in the middle of the drama
The controversy is compounded by the fact that the proposed main investor is Thrive Eternal – an American venture capital firm led by Josh Kushner, brother of Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.
This has created further unrest, especially considering the US political situation and close ties to the Trump family.
England passed over in silence
The English Football Association (FA) is said to have been completely excluded when FIFA announced the plans – despite having meetings with FIFA in New York just before the World Cup final.
At the same time, it is worth noting that Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin has previously forced FIFA to shelve plans for the World Cup every two years – by threatening a European boycott. Now history can repeat itself.
Qatar 2026: Why did the Uefa president not show up?
Another sign of the excitement: The Uefa president was conspicuously absent from the 2026 World Cup final – where both Donald Trump and Gianni Infantino were present. Many interpret it as a clear signal that the relationship between FIFA and Uefa is more strained than ever.
Analysis: As big as ESL
A key English football director told BBC Sport that today’s announcement is the biggest issue since the European Super League plan – and that it raises just as many concerns.
If FFE becomes a reality, it will have to make money to satisfy its shareholders. That will likely mean:
- Expansion of the World Cup – perhaps to 64 teams
- World Cup every two years – instead of every four
- More matches in the winter months – which will clash with the already squeezed national calendar
What happens next?
The matter will probably be discussed at FIFA’s next Council meeting in the autumn, and then during FIFA’s Intercontinental Cup in December. A final vote among all 211 member nations could take place at the FIFA Congress in Morocco in March.
The question is: Will Europe stand together – or will FIFA’s vast development fund divide the nations?
One thing is certain: football’s top management is facing its biggest political drama in decades. And the battle for the soul of football is in play.
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