Gianni Infantino, the FIFA Council and prospective investors
27 August 2026
Gianni Infantino did not tell FIFA Council members he was seeking external investment for a proposed global under-15 tournament, according to The Athletic. The plan had more than $250 million in investor commitments and discussed long-term FIFA licensing.
Council members reportedly learned about the commercialisation talks through media coverage and questioned governance and non-profit implications. FIFA said the Council knew officials were seeking financial support, but did not say external investment and investor returns had been disclosed.