Infantino Offers $40 Million to National Associations for Selling World Cup Shares

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has landed at the center of a massive controversy after sending a proposal to all 211 national football associations to sell a stake in the organization's flagship tournaments, particularly the World Cup. In exchange for backing the contentious plan, each member country would receive a total of $40 million. FIFA intends to set up a dedicated commercial subsidiary - Fifa Forward Enterprise - to run its major competitions. Private investors would be allowed to buy a minority share in the new entity, a move that could bring in roughly $10 billion. Associations have until September 19 to give their consent. If they agree by the deadline, the first $20 million will be available from January 1, 2027. In his letter, Infantino described the initiative as a "game-changing opportunity." But his methods have sparked shock and dismay. According to insiders, even some of FIFA's eight vice-presidents were kept in the dark about the plan. Earlier, the IOC refused to investigate Infantino's ties with Donald Trump - the Balogun scandal remains unpunished.