FIFA World Cup plan: Infantino tackles UEFA and global game – all to know

econews. The people’s game is facing a civil war.

Football – so often also dubbed ‘the beautiful game’ – is on the verge of an ugly standoff that threatens an established order that has stood since FIFA’s governance of the game began in 1904.

FIFA’s proposal, fronted by its President Gianni Infantino, to sell stakes in the World Cup and other events to private investors has been met with a furious backlash worldwide.

The plan was only revealed on Tuesday.

In the days that have followed, the sport has made headlines around the world and faced a split in the game with boycotts threatened.

Al Jazeera Sport takes a look at where and how football has gone from a celebration of World Cup glory for Spain to a divide that has provoked fierce words from the continental governing bodies, politicians and a resigning FIFA adviser alike.

What are FIFA’s proposals for its World Cup and events?

FIFA has staged World Cups every four years since 1930, breaking only for World War Two.

The tournament has expanded from 13 teams competing at the inaugural event to a record 48 that lined up at World Cup 2026. That number could swell to 64 for the 2030 edition.

That in itself has drawn debate, but on Tuesday Infantino revealed a proposal to sell minority stakes in the World Cup, along with other events such as the FIFA Club World Cup, to private investors.

The plan would centre around an investment firm attracting private funding.

The expectation is that Joshua Kushner, the founder of Thrive Capital, would lead the proposed investor group via a fund called Thrive Eternal. Joshua is the brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of United States President Donald Trump.