RESOLVING THE LEDGER
This is one outlet's own report from Yahoo Sports — the article as it was filed. Other outlets are covering the same event; open the full story to compare every source side by side.
See the full story · 2 sourcesIn many respects, the 2026 World Cup was a massive success for FIFA. The expanded 48-team format saw little drop in quality. The stadiums across the U.S., Canada and Mexico provided incredible atmospheres. Fans from across the world overwhelmingly enjoyed their visits to the North American-hosted World Cup.
But it also had its share of money-driven ugliness, price gouging and political interference. And FIFA's latest efforts to line its pockets even had controversial ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter speaking out against his successor.
On Tuesday, FIFA announced that it would explore selling a minority stake in the organization to private investors with an estimated valuation of $20 billion. This sparked outrage across the soccer community.
What FIFA said of the initiative
In a statement , FIFA announced that it was forming the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would operate as a subsidiary of FIFA with the ability to hold tournaments, sell broadcast rights and explore commercial opportunities.
In accordance with its mandate, the FIFA administration is exploring the concept of bringing together FIFA’s commercial rights – spanning broadcast, sponsorship, ticketing, and licensing – with the operational delivery of FIFA tournaments through the creation of FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). A consultation process has begun following the receipt of a proposal that aims to unlock the full potential of FIFA’s broadcast rights and sponsorships across all of its tournament portfolio in men’s, women’s and youth football.
Why Sepp Blatter spoke out
The close relationship between the FIFA President and the US President has reached a financial dimension that is deeply damaging football. No one has the right to sell our game. #GianniInfantino #DonaldTrump #FIFA #UEFA #USA #Sellout
— Joseph S Blatter (@SeppBlatter) July 28, 2026 In FIFA's press release, it specifically named Thrive Eternal as the holding company that is expected to lead the investor group for the FFE. Thrive was founded by Joshua Kushner who is the brother of Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner.
In the past few weeks, Infantino's ties to Trump resulted in FIFA shockingly overturning U.S. striker Folarin Balogun's suspension. Trump had urged Infantino to review the controversial red card . Trump was also at the center of Spain's World Cup trophy celebration and had to be asked to move off stage. Last year, Infantino awarded Trump with a peace prize that was seemingly created just for Trump . FIFA also rented office space at Trump Tower in New York.
To now be looking into a massive financial partnership with Trump's family — it only speaks to the concerns that Blatter raised in his tweet. Gone are the days of FIFA making questionable dealings in back rooms, which Blatter was a party to. Infantino appears to be doing it all out in the open.
Is Infantino actually feeling any heat for this?
It remains to be seen if global outrage has any impact on FIFA's plans or Infantino's status as president. Infantino is set to run for his final four-year term in March. But UEFA — the European confederation — was quick to speak out on Tuesday.
UEFA statement on The Times article: ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ye1tjfWRCb
— UEFA (@UEFA) July 28, 2026 According to The Times , Infantino would look to lead the FFE after his final term as FIFA president ends in 2031 (assuming he wins March's election).
This article originally appeared on For The Win: Why Ex-FIFA president Sepp Blatter called out Gianni Infantino
AIPROPX is an independent multi-source news index — we track, compare, and connect coverage from across the web into one place you won't find anywhere else.