FIFA World Cup Sale: Kushners and Trump in Controversial Deal 2026

The FIFA World Cup sale plan has ignited a firestorm of controversy, placing the Kushner family and former President Trump at the center of a tangled web of politics and sports business. As FIFA president Gianni Infantino proposes selling 20% of the World Cup to private investors, critics and lawmakers are questioning the ethics and transparency of the deal.

What Is the FIFA World Cup Sale?

FIFA's proposal, known as FIFA Forward Enterprise, aims to sell ownership stakes in the World Cup to private investors, a first in the organization's history. The lead investor is Joshua Kushner's investment fund, Thrive Eternal, which has raised eyebrows due to his family's close ties to Trump.

The deal would give private investors a share of future revenues from the World Cup, a lucrative asset that has traditionally been governed by football's global governing body. Supporters argue it could bring in billions for football development, but detractors see it as a conflict of interest and a dangerous commercialization of the sport.

The Kushner-Trump Connection

The involvement of Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner (Trump's son-in-law and former senior advisor), has drawn scrutiny. Jamie Raskin, a ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, told Politico that FIFA was "going directly into business with the Trump family." He cited the "fake Peace Prize" Infantino awarded Trump and FIFA's lease in Trump Tower as prior examples of questionable dealings.

Adding to the intrigue, Charles Kushner, father of Joshua and Jared, is Trump's ambassador to France despite having a criminal record and being pardoned by Trump in 2020. The family's influence extends into global diplomacy, with Jared Kushner serving as a Special Envoy for Peace, though his efforts on the Russia-Ukraine conflict have not yielded the promised results.

Why the Deal Is Controversial

Critics argue that selling World Cup stakes to private investors, especially those with political ties, undermines football's integrity. The deal could lead to conflicts of interest, where commercial gains overshadow the sport's values. Moreover, the lack of transparency in FIFA's decision-making process has fueled suspicions of kickbacks and favoritism.

UEFA executives and football fans alike have expressed outrage, calling for Infantino's resignation. The House Judiciary Committee is investigating whether the deal violates any laws or ethical standards, given the Trump family's direct involvement.

Comparison: Traditional FIFA Funding vs. Private Investment

Key Takeaways

• The FIFA World Cup sale would give private investors a 20% stake in the tournament's commercial rights.
• Joshua Kushner's Thrive Eternal is the lead investor, raising conflict-of-interest concerns.
• Lawmakers, including Jamie Raskin, are investigating the deal's ties to the Trump family.
• Opponents fear commercialization could compromise football's integrity.

What This Means for Football's Future

If the deal proceeds, it could set a precedent for other major sporting events to sell equity to private investors. While it may bring short-term financial gains, the long-term implications for governance and public trust are uncertain. Football fans and stakeholders are watching closely to see if FIFA will prioritize profit over the sport's global community.

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