Infantino offers NFF, others $40m to back W’Cup plan

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has offered member associations, including the Nigeria Football Federation, a financial incentive of up to $40m each to support his controversial proposal to sell a stake in the commercial rights to the World Cup and other FIFA competitions.

The 211 member associations have until September 19 to approve or reject the proposal, which has already drawn criticism from several football governing bodies, particularly in Europe.

Infantino has written to all 211 FIFA member associations urging them to back the creation of a new commercial structure for FIFA competitions. The Times first reported details of the letter outlining the proposal.

Under the plan, FIFA would establish a new commercial subsidiary valued at $20bn, with private investors owning a 20 per cent stake. The company would manage the commercial rights to competitions including the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.

If the proposal is approved, FIFA says a $10bn funding package will become available from January 1, 2027, allowing each member association to access up to $40m.

If the proposal is rejected, FIFA will instead proceed with its previously announced expansion of the FIFA Forward development programme worth $2.7bn. Under that arrangement, the NFF and other member associations would be eligible for up to $20m during the 2027–2030 cycle, an increase from the current allocation of $8m.

The NFF has used funding from the current FIFA Forward programme to finance projects including the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and the construction of new training pitches at its Abuja headquarters.

The proposal, backed by investment firm Thrive Capital, has generated concerns over governance and the process leading to the planned investment. Thrive Capital was founded by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of United States President Donald Trump.

In his letter, seen by The Associated Press, Infantino highlighted the financial difference between approving the proposal and maintaining the existing funding structure.

“It is my duty and responsibility as FIFA president to present such game-changing opportunities to you, our members,” Infantino wrote.

“Should you wish to proceed, this $10 billion package will become available as of January 1, 2027, ushering in the next phase of our journey together.

“Should you wish to retain the status quo and reject this proposal, we still have our planned expansion of the Forward programme of $2.7 billion as previously presented.”

The proposal has triggered an immediate backlash across world football.

UEFA has criticised the lack of consultation and governance surrounding the plans, while ESPN reported that European football’s governing body is considering several options, including the possibility of a boycott of a future World Cup.

The English Football Association and Concacaf have also expressed concerns over the proposal.

Neither the Confederation of African Football nor the NFF has publicly stated its position on the plan. The NFF will also have its elective congress in September.