UEFA is planning a biennial mini World Cup to convince global federations to help remove FIFA President Gianni Infantino from his position. European football officials want to offer other continents a new tournament rather than simply opposing the current president.
Infantino secretly prepared a business project called FIFA Forward Enterprise to manage World Cup commercial operations. The plan involved Joshua Kushner, the brother of the son-in-law of the US president.
The project proposed spinning off television and commercial rights for the men's, women's, and club World Cups into a separate company, with 21 percent sold to private investors. Similar private investment models exist in other sports. Six Nations Rugby sold shares in its tournament, French Ligue 1 admitted a private investor, and La Liga clubs restored profitability through CVC capital. Volleyball World, created by the international volleyball federation and CVC, runs the Nations League, World Championships, and Olympic qualifiers. WTA Ventures LLC manages television rights, sponsorship, and product licenses for women's tennis.
The proposal collapsed because Infantino kept it secret from even his closest associates. Critics viewed it as a venture designed to give Infantino control over world football after his FIFA presidency, with a reported annual salary five times higher than his current $6 million pay.
Secret FIFA Forward Enterprise Project
British newspapers The Times and Financial Times revealed the secret plans, prompting UEFA to threaten a boycott of FIFA events. Asian and CONCACAF confederations also criticized the project, forcing Infantino to withdraw it.
European leaders now want to call an extraordinary congress before the scheduled March 2027 election to remove Infantino. Beyond the secret business project, UEFA accused Infantino of improper management, including personal intervention in a disciplinary matter.
According to reports, US President Donald Trump appealed directly to Infantino after US striker Folarin Balogun received a red card in a World Cup match. Balogun was subsequently allowed to play against Belgium in the round of 16. Infantino insisted an independent committee made the decision.
The conflict reflects growing competition between FIFA and UEFA over calendar space, television revenues, and player welfare. FIFA expanded the men's and women's World Cups and created a larger Club World Cup. UEFA expanded the Champions League and Nations League with additional match dates, leaving players less recovery time.
Search for a New FIFA Leader
UEFA is searching for a presidential candidate to challenge Infantino. Legia Warsaw president Dariusz Mioduski was discussed, but non-European leaders increasingly head international sports bodies.
International Olympic Committee President Kirsty Coventry comes from Zimbabwe, Paralympics leader Andrew Parsons from Brazil, Cricket chief Jay Shah from India, Volleyball head Fabio Azevedo from Brazil, Basketball chief Sheikh Saud Ali Al Thani from Qatar, Handball head Hassan Moustafa from Egypt, Field Hockey leader Tayyab Ikram from Macao, Ice Hockey head Luc Tardif from Canada and France, Rugby chief Brett Robinson from Australia, and Swimming leader Husain Al Musallam from Kuwait. World Athletics President Sebastian Coe of Britain is one of the few remaining European heads of a major sports federation.
Consequently, Europe may support CONCACAF President Victor Montagliani, a Canadian, for the FIFA presidency.
Global Nations League Proposal
To win support and pressure Infantino, UEFA is reviving its 2017 Global Nations League proposal, according to Sky Sports and The Times. The format would divide all continental teams into seven divisions based on skill level.
Continental Nations Leagues would serve as qualifiers for global finals held every two years in June during odd-numbered years. The finals would feature three European teams, two South American teams, and one each from Africa, Asia, and CONCACAF. The seven division finals would offer smaller nations trophy opportunities while creating an eight-team elite tournament.
Infantino retains significant backing despite the controversy. Qatar, Egypt, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates reaffirmed their support for him. South American federation CONMEBOL requested further explanations about FIFA Forward Enterprise without condemning it, having already pledged unconditional support for Infantino's re-election in April.
Uruguay, Paraguay, and Argentina are scheduled to host games for the 2030 World Cup centenary alongside primary hosts Morocco, Portugal, and Spain. Infantino could offer South America additional matches if a proposal to expand the tournament to 64 teams succeeds.
