Gianni Infantino tells FIFA members to agree to World Cup plan or miss $40m in funding - ESPN

FIFA president Gianni Infantino set a Sept. 19 deadline on Wednesday for the 211 member federations to approve his proposed private investment plan, which would give each association access to up to $40 million in funding.

The Times (of London) first reported the news of the letter to member federations.

The letter to member federations follows a backlash to the plans, with sources telling ESPN that UEFA is considering options, including a potential World Cup boycott, over what it described as a lack of consultation and governance.

Infantino writes in the letter that a $10 billion funding package would be available if the plan is approved, compared with $2.7 billion if it is rejected.

Infantino set out the «singular and unique funding opportunity» in a letter detailing why he wants to create a $20 billion FIFA subsidiary — 20% owned by private investors — that would run the football body's competitions and events such as World Cups and Club World Cups.

The proposal is backed by Thrive Capital, the investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner. Joshua Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump.

«It is my duty and responsibility as FIFA president to present such game-changing opportunities to you, our members,» Infantino wrote in the letter seen by The Associated Press.

«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 [development money] of $2.7billion as previously presented.

«In total for the upcoming cycle starting as of January 1, 2027 each member