Overview
- FIFA disclosed on Tuesday, July 28, 2026, that it will form FIFA Forward Enterprise to consolidate World Cup commercial rights, seek an initial equity valuation of $20 billion, and raise up to $4.2 billion by selling minority, non‑controlling stakes.
- European governing body UEFA issued an immediate and forceful rebuke, saying the plan 'crosses a line' and warning that the tournament and football governance are not assets to trade.
- Reports identify J.P. Morgan as financial adviser and Joshua Kushner’s Thrive Eternal as a potential lead investor, a link that has intensified concern because of Kushner family ties to President Trump.
- U.S. Rep. Jamie Raskin has asked Gianni Infantino to appear before the House Judiciary Committee and to preserve and produce records, citing actions such as the FIFA Peace Prize and an office lease in Trump Tower as reasons for scrutiny.
- FIFA says member federations must approve the deal and could access one‑off capital of up to $20 million each, but critics warn the plan could reshape governance, create a future commissioner role, and revive fears rooted in FIFA’s past corruption scandals.