Fifa president Gianni Infantino's plan to sell off 20% of the World Cup to a privately backed commercial venture, backed by Joshua Kushner's investment fund, is drawing criticism from football fans, Uefa executives and US lawmakers, according to the Guardian.
Key facts
- Fifa president Gianni Infantino plans to sell 20% of the World Cup to a privately backed commercial enterprise, according to the Guardian.
- Joshua Kushner's investment fund is backing the plan, according to the Guardian.
- The plan has drawn criticism from football fans and Uefa executives, per the Guardian.
- The House of Representatives Judiciary Committee and ranking Democrat Jamie Raskin are scrutinising the plan, according to the Guardian.
- Some observers see president Trump's influence in the arrangement, per the Guardian.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino is facing mounting opposition to his plan to sell off 20% of the World Cup to a privately backed commercial enterprise, according to the Guardian. The proposal has drawn objections not only from football fans but also from Uefa executives who have signalled their displeasure with the project.
At the centre of the effort is Joshua Kushner, whose investment fund is backing the sale. The Guardian reports that Kushner is now the driving force behind the push to bring the World Cup to investors, with family ties described as tight around the project.
The plan has also attracted attention in Washington. The Guardian reports that Infantino is in the crosshairs of the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, and specifically its ranking Democratic member, Jamie Raskin.
According to the Guardian, part of the reason for the scrutiny is that, for some observers, the arrangement carries the apparent influence of president Trump. The report frames the deal as one in which political and family connections are closely intertwined.
The Guardian characterises the episode as a tangled web involving sport, business and politics, with the sale of a portion of one of the world’s largest sporting events raising questions about who stands to benefit and how the proposal came together.
Why it matters
The World Cup is one of the most valuable properties in global sport, so selling a stake to private investors would mark a significant shift in how the tournament is owned and monetised. The involvement of figures connected to a sitting US president, alongside congressional scrutiny, raises questions about transparency and potential conflicts of interest.
Frequently asked questions
What is Fifa planning to sell?
According to the Guardian, Fifa president Gianni Infantino plans to sell off 20% of the World Cup to a privately backed commercial enterprise.
Who is backing the plan?
The Guardian reports that Joshua Kushner's investment fund is backing the plan, with Kushner described as the driving force behind the sale.
Why is the US Congress involved?
The Guardian reports that the House of Representatives Judiciary Committee, and its ranking Democrat Jamie Raskin, are scrutinizing the plan, partly because some observers see president Trump's influence in it.