FIFA chief Infantino scraps $20bn Kushner-linked project after backlash

FIFA President Gianni Infantino announced the cancellation of the 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' project, which would have opened up to private investors and created a $20 billion subsidiary. The plan was shelved after a UEFA boycott and resignations from within FIFA.

Scraper SystemAugust 01, 2026, 12:06 PM

FIFA chief Infantino scraps $20bn Kushner-linked project after backlash

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has scrapped the $20 billion 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' project, which sparked major controversy in football and involved a fund belonging to Joshua Kushner, the brother of US President Donald Trump's son-in-law.

In a statement on FIFA's social media account, Infantino said after hearing all views, it was clear the project was causing divisions, adding: 'This proposal will not go ahead.' He stressed that the project was designed to strengthen member federations and develop football in countries that need support, but it no longer served its original purpose.

Unanimous boycott from UEFA

The strongest reaction came from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). UEFA argued the plan amounted to 'selling the soul' of football. The 55 member associations unanimously declared a boycott of FIFA events. The move came less than two weeks after Spain's World Cup triumph.

Resignations and criticism inside FIFA

Opposition also emerged within FIFA. Infantino's senior advisor Carlos Cordeiro resigned. FIFA CEO Kevin Lamour said employees had been 'deceived' by Infantino, describing the plan as a 'one-man project'.

The Kushner fund connection

FIFA's cancelled proposal involved setting up a $20 billion subsidiary to run the World Cup and other tournaments. The investor group was expected to be headed by the 'Thrive Eternal' fund, managed by Thrive Capital, which was founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. In a letter to member federations, Infantino had said each would receive $40 million if the offer was accepted by 19 September.

FIFA chief Infantino scraps $20bn Kushner-linked project after backlash