The ultimatum came the day before the 2026 World Cup final when FIFA’s highest‑ranking officials were pressured to sign off on a multibillion‑dollar privatization plan that would sell a stake in the World Cup to private investors. According to reporting by The New York Times, FIFA president Gianni Infantino pushed this proposal. The deal also involved major financial players which included JPMorgan, who had already faced criticism for its role in the failed European “Super League.”
For years, FIFA has been criticized for corruption scandals, secret deals, and questionable leadership decisions. Gianni Infantino’s tenure has been marked by attempts to expand FIFA’s power and revenue. These decisions, many times, clashed with the opinions of fans and national soccer federations and fans. The idea of selling part of the World Cup, the most watched sporting event on Earth, immediately raised alarms. Many feared that this could shift control away from global soccer associations and toward wealthy investors whose priorities might not align with the sport’s traditions.
