The Dutch Football Association (KNVB) has become the latest major governing body to oppose FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s controversial proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup. The plan, which would allow private investors to take ownership in a new commercial subsidiary, has triggered a civil war within world football.
European heavyweights close ranks against Infantino
The KNVB has added its voice to the growing criticism from Europe’s football powers over FIFA’s attempt to privatise its most valuable assets. Under the draft proposal, a new $20 billion subsidiary would be created to control the commercial rights of the World Cup and the revamped Club World Cup, with 20 per cent of the company set to be sold to private equity firms.
The move has prompted strong objections from the Netherlands and elsewhere, with governing bodies weighing the consequences of shifting control of international football towards outside investors. The Dutch position echoes that of the English FA, which recently said it was “completely unaware of this proposal” and voiced serious concern over the apparent lack of transparency and proper governance in the decision-making process.
KNVB voices concern over FIFA’s World Cup share proposal
The KNVB has raised serious concerns about FIFA’s proposal to sell shares in the World Cup, calling the possible step a “very worrying development” for the future of international football. In a statement to NU.nl, the Dutch governing body said: “Based on what has now been released, we consider this a very worrying development for international football.”
The association stressed that it will wait before taking a final position until the full details are formally presented. “As soon as the official elaboration of this plan is available, we will jointly carefully study and discuss the proposal,” the KNVB said, making clear its priorities going forward. “For us, the interests of football, good governance, and transparency must always be the guiding principles.”
The $40 million ultimatum
To win backing for the project, Infantino has put a major incentive in front of FIFA’s 211 member associations. The FIFA president has promised that each federation will receive a $40m incentive if they approve the commercial restructuring by the strict deadline of September 19. If the proposal is turned down, federations would instead receive only a far smaller share of a $2.7 billion development fund.
Infantino remains firm that this is the only route to modernise the sport’s finances, saying: “It is my duty and responsibility as FIFA president to present such game-changing opportunities to you, our members. Should you wish to proceed, this $10billion 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 $2.7billion as previously presented.”
Political links and financial support
The controversy has been intensified by the identity of the lead investors linked to the deal. The proposal is reportedly supported by Thrive Capital, a firm founded by Joshua Kushner. Because of the firm’s high-profile political links in the United States, several member associations have questioned the long-term geopolitical and commercial influence this could bring to the world’s most-watched sporting event.
FIFA’s leadership is pressing for a swift outcome, but the reaction from UEFA indicates that a legal or political fight may be approaching. European officials have challenged the ethical basis of selling parts of the World Cup to private equity, arguing that the soul of international football should not be sold to the highest bidder, regardless of the financial benefits being offered to smaller nations. To strengthen that position, UEFA is preparing to hold an urgent digital meeting with all 55 member associations — including the KNVB — to shape a united European response, although a date for the virtual summit has not yet been confirmed.
