Questions Arise Over FIFA’s Investment Plans for Proposed Under-15 Tournament

Introduction

FIFA’s president, Gianni Infantino, did not inform the FIFA Council regarding the solicitation of investment for a proposed Under-15 ‘World Cup’. Anonymous sources close to FIFA Council members revealed that Infantino sought external investment for the project without council knowledge.

Investment Proposals

Infantino engaged in talks over the past year to commercialize an Under-15 festival, drawing inspiration from the Little League World Series. The plans involved all 211 FIFA nations. Businessmen, including Juan Carlos Rodríguez, former commissioner of Mexico Football Federation, prepared a proposal. Eldridge Industries, chaired by Todd Boehly, backed Rodríguez.

Potential Collaboration

ESPN, a broadcaster of the Little League World Series, entered discussions to host the event at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex near Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Opening and closing ceremonies would be held at Disney. ESPN agreed to broadcast the tournament in the United States.

Opening Match Proposition

Infantino proposed the national teams of Israel and Palestine play the opening match. This initiative followed a failed effort to unite representatives from these federations at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver.

Investment Dynamics

The proposal had financial commitments exceeding $250 million led by Eldridge. The investments aimed to return profits via local broadcast deals and sponsorships as nations competed for the first time.

FIFA Discussions and Concerns

Conversations regarding partnership terms varied from 20 to 30-year use of FIFA’s brand. FIFA’s chief of staff, Dan O’Toole, worked closely with Infantino, also involved with J.P. Morgan in a separate failed initiative.

Council members learned of talks through media reports and questioned whether external investor benefits might challenge FIFA’s non-profit status. Opinions arose that Infantino’s actions might extend beyond his authority.

FIFA Council Role

FIFA Council, the organization’s main decision-making body, includes FIFA’s vice-presidents and members elected by member associations. Some confederation presidents were not informed about Infantino’s plan, signaling possible centralization of leadership.

Official Statements

FIFA’s spokesperson indicated the council was informed in December 2025 about working on proposals to cover tournament costs. FIFA emphasized the importance of financial support for sustainability and optimal event execution.

FIFA did not clarify external investment discussions. FIFA administration holds internal discussions on various proposals, inviting council approval for concrete proposals as per regulations.

Decision on Investment Proposal

FIFA informed Boehly’s Eldridge and Rodríguez that the proposal would not proceed. The relation between Kushner’s Thrive Eternal fund investment initiative and this proposal is unclear, though potential conflicts could exist.

FIFA’s Future Plans

FIFA announced plans for a global Under-15 tournament first after a council meeting in December 2025, confirming matches for boys only initially and later adding a girls’ edition in 2027.

Though the proposal was declined before the World Cup, a FIFA Bureau of the Council concluded the event would take place in Azerbaijan in October without external investment.

FIFA stated this decision followed a thorough assessment, considering Azerbaijan’s infrastructure to host thousands of children and support staff in a centralized location.