FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced a plan to sell a stake in the World Cup's commercial rights to raise billions of dollars [1].

The proposal represents a fundamental shift in how the world's largest sporting event is financed, potentially altering the commercial structure of international football to provide massive liquidity to national federations.

Infantino is targeting FIFA’s 211 member federations [2] to approve the plan. Under the proposal, the organization aims to provide up to $40 million in funding to each association [2]. The president said the move is intended to unlock commercial investment for the sport and ensure fans remain at the forefront of football's growth [1].

Reports on the scale of the financial maneuver vary. One report describes an overall investment plan valued at $20 billion [3]. However, the specific valuation of the stake being sold is contested among sources. Yahoo Sports reported a $10 billion stake sale [4], while an analysis by The New York Times (Athletic) cited a valuation of $4.2 billion [5].

Infantino set a deadline of Sept. 19, 2026, for the member federations to approve the plan [2]. The timeline suggests a push for rapid implementation of the funding mechanism.

Not all governing bodies support the move. Reports indicate that UEFA does not want FIFA to sell football [3]. This opposition has reportedly led to discussions within UEFA regarding a potential World Cup boycott [3].

Despite the friction with European officials, Infantino said the sale is necessary for the growth of the game [1]. The plan seeks to balance the immediate need for capital in developing football nations, and the long-term commercial value of the World Cup brand.

“FIFA aims to provide up to $40 million in funding to each association.”

This move signals a transition toward a more corporate-equity model for FIFA, trading long-term commercial autonomy for immediate capital. By tying the approval to a significant payout for 211 member federations, Infantino is creating a strong financial incentive for smaller nations to override the objections of powerful entities like UEFA.