FIFA's proposal to sell a 20% stake in the World Cup's commercial operations to private equity investors has sparked a growing international boycott movement and drawn opposition from two regional football confederations.
FIFA president Gianni Infantino announced the plan to sell off the World Cup and other competitions to private equity backers, including Josh Kushner, the younger brother of President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. UEFA and Concacaf have rejected the plan, reflecting broader unease about private equity's role in sports.
Meanwhile, FIFA is studying the impact of expanding the 2030 World Cup to 64 teams. The 2026 tournament, which will feature 48 teams, was the first expansion since 1998.