Could FIFA's $20 Billion Deal Change Football? Here's What You Need to Know

Imagine being asked to vote on one of the biggest decisions in football history... with less than two months to make up your mind.

That's exactly what is happening right now.

What's happened?

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has announced plans to create a brand-new company called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).

The proposed company would reportedly be worth around $20 billion and would bring together many of FIFA's biggest commercial assets, including:

• Broadcasting rights
• Sponsorship deals
• Ticket sales
• Licensing and merchandise

The commercial operation of FIFA tournaments, including the Men's and Women's World Cups

The idea is that private investors could buy a stake in the company.

Why are people concerned?

The biggest concern isn't necessarily that FIFA wants investment.

It's how quickly such a major decision is being pushed through.

The 211 national football associations that make up FIFA have reportedly been given until 19 September to decide whether they support the proposal.

That's just 53 days to consider one of the biggest commercial changes in football's history.

Even more surprising, reports suggest several senior football figures, including representatives from major associations, were unaware the proposal was even being developed before it was announced.

What's still unknown?

At the moment, there are still plenty of unanswered questions.

For example:

• What exactly is included in the new company?
• How much are FIFA's commercial rights actually worth?
• Will FIFA own the assets, or simply license them?
• What influence would private investors have?
• How long would any agreement last?
• How could investors eventually sell their shares?

These are important questions because the answers could influence the future of football for years to come.

Why is it worth $20 billion?

The proposed valuation is based on the future earning potential of FIFA's biggest commercial assets, including broadcasting rights, sponsorships, ticket sales and licensing.

However, some critics have questioned how the $20 billion figure was reached, as no independent valuation or detailed financial breakdown has been made public.

Why should fans care?

For most people, football is about the players, the matches and the memories created with family and friends.

But decisions made away from the pitch can eventually shape the experience supporters have too.

Over time, commercial decisions can influence:

• Ticket prices and access to major tournaments.
• How and where matches are broadcast.
• Sponsorships and commercial partnerships.
• Investment into grassroots football and national associations.
• The overall direction of the game.

While it's impossible to know exactly what this proposal will lead to, decisions involving billions of dollars have the potential to affect everyone connected to football—not just those in the boardroom.

Why is Donald Trump's name being mentioned?

Donald Trump isn't directly involved in the proposal.

However, the expected lead investor is Thrive Eternal, an investment company founded by Joshua Kushner. Because Joshua is the brother of Jared Kushner—Donald Trump's son-in-law—the proposal has also attracted political attention beyond the football world, despite Trump having no direct involvement in the deal.

Final Whistle

Football is built on its supporters.

If this proposal leads to more money flowing into the game, fans will expect that investment to benefit football at every level—not just those involved in the deal.

Because if everyone connected to football ends up richer... except the fans, then it's fair to ask whether the game is really moving in the right direction.