Key facts
- FIFA President Gianni Infantino is proposing a new commercial structure, FIFA Forward Enterprise, to consolidate media rights, sponsorships, and other operations.
- Member associations that join the voluntary structure could receive a stake potentially worth $20 million.
- Critics, including European parliamentarians, are questioning the proposal due to Infantino's relationship with Donald Trump and concerns about commercializing sport.
- The House Judiciary Committee has initiated an investigation into FIFA's ties with Trump and its ticketing policies.
- Serving legal documents on FIFA officials abroad presents jurisdictional challenges for U.S. lawmakers.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is facing scrutiny over a proposed new commercial structure for the organization, dubbed FIFA Forward Enterprise, which would consolidate media rights, sponsorships, ticketing, and other operations into a new subsidiary. Under the plan, each of FIFA's 211 member associations could receive an ownership stake potentially worth around $20 million, creating a financial incentive to support the initiative. Infantino has reportedly recorded a video message to advocate for the proposal, which would leave FIFA's nonprofit governing structure intact.
However, the proposal has drawn opposition, particularly from European parliamentarians who allege that Infantino has violated FIFA's political neutrality rules through his relationship with Donald Trump. Carolina Morace, a member of the European Parliament, stated that sport should not be governed by financial market logic, emphasizing merit over business. Infantino has publicly defended FIFA's work, posting a combative message on Instagram accusing critics of spreading false rumors.
Democrats on the U.S. House Judiciary Committee have also launched an investigation into FIFA's relationship with Trump and its ticketing policies. Serving subpoenas on FIFA officials, including Infantino, presents practical challenges due to international jurisdiction, as U.S. marshals typically need to serve documents in person. However, FIFA's expanded U.S. presence, including its Miami headquarters, may provide future opportunities for lawmakers to serve Infantino should he travel to the United States.