FIFA is pushing a $20 billion plan to sell off World Cup rights, but the proposal has sparked an internal revolt. The organization's chief operating officer has turned against President Gianni Infantino over the deal, and several confederations are voicing opposition. The rift threatens to undermine FIFA's credibility and complicate future commercial ventures.
The $20 Billion Plan
The sell-off would package World Cup media and sponsorship rights for multiple tournaments, potentially including the 2030 and 2034 editions. FIFA's leadership sees it as a way to lock in massive revenue and reduce reliance on individual tournament cycles. But the scale of the deal — $20 billion — has alarmed some inside the organization.
Critics argue the plan lacks transparency and could shortchange future revenues. They worry that selling rights decades in advance would hand too much control to a single partner, limiting FIFA's flexibility. The proposal has not been publicly detailed, and no buyer has been named.
COO vs. President
FIFA's chief operating officer has broken ranks with Infantino over the sell-off. The COO, whose role includes overseeing commercial operations, has privately expressed concerns about the deal's structure and risks. The split between the president and his top operational lieutenant is unusual for an organization that typically projects unity.
The COO's opposition adds weight to the internal dissent. It also raises questions about how thoroughly the plan was vetted before being presented to FIFA's council. The president has pushed ahead despite the pushback, according to people familiar with the matter.
Confederation Pushback
Several of FIFA's six continental confederations have also objected. They fear the sell-off would centralize power at FIFA's Zurich headquarters and reduce their share of World Cup revenue. The confederations rely on FIFA distributions to fund their own tournaments and development programs.
Opposition from the confederations is significant because they hold seats on FIFA's ruling council. Any major commercial deal requires their approval. The current divide suggests the sell-off could face a rocky path to ratification.
Credibility at Stake
The internal revolt comes at a delicate time for FIFA. The organization spent years rebuilding its reputation after the corruption scandals of the 2010s. A public fight over a $10 billion-plus deal could revive memories of those crises.
Beyond credibility, the dispute complicates FIFA's ability to negotiate future commercial partnerships. Potential bidders may hesitate to engage if they see instability at the top. The sell-off was meant to simplify FIFA's finances — instead it has exposed deep fractures.
FIFA's council is expected to discuss the proposal at its next meeting. No date has been set. The question now is whether Infantino can rally enough support to push the deal through, or whether the revolt will force a retreat.
