FIFA President’s Undisclosed Investment Plans for Under-15 World Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is reported to have pursued external investment for a proposed Under-15 ‘World Cup’ without informing the FIFA Council. Sources close to three anonymous FIFA Council members shared with The Athletic that Infantino did not disclose the effort to seek outside funding for the project.

The Athletic reported that Infantino had contemplated commercializing an Under-15 event akin to the Little League World Series in baseball. The plan envisioned participation from all 211 FIFA nations.

Infantino requested a plan from businessmen, including Juan Carlos Rodríguez, former Mexico Football Federation commissioner, backed by Eldridge Industries. This global holding company, chaired by Chelsea’s Todd Boehly, was involved in potential funding.

Further conversations involved ESPN, aiming to host the event at their Wide World of Sports Complex near Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Planned ceremonies would take place at Disney, with ESPN committed to broadcasting in the U.S.

Infantino’s vision included a match between Israel and Palestine’s national teams, building on prior attempts at fostering cooperation during the FIFA Congress in Vancouver.

Both Rodríguez and Eldridge, alongside ESPN, abstained from commenting on the matter.

The Athletic’s subsequent report revealed financial commitments totaling over $250 million from investors, led by Boehly’s Eldridge, with intentions to secure returns via broadcast deals and sponsorships. Several nations stood to gain exposure on a global stage.

During discussions, Infantino’s proposal included long-term partnerships spanning 20 and 30 years. FIFA’s Chief of Staff Dan O’Toole was deeply involved, echoing prior consultations with J.P. Morgan concerning investment proposals with Joshua Kushner’s Thrive Eternal fund.

FIFA Council members reportedly learned about plans for commercialization only following The Athletic’s coverage. They expressed concerns about whether monetizing a youth competition aligns with FIFA’s non-profit status.

Insiders suggest Infantino acted beyond his authority by exploring these proposals sans Council engagement. The FIFA Council, described by FIFA as “the main decision-making body,” includes 28 elected members alongside eight vice-presidents.

Infantino’s centralized approach is under scrutiny, with initiatives perceived to lack broader stakeholder consultation.

FIFA responded, stating that the Council was briefed in December 2025 on efforts to secure financial backing given significant costs. However, no indication was given about external investment prospects.

FIFA clarified internal proposals are presented to the Council following rules and regulations, with no internal objections raised about potential commercialization or its impact on Swiss tax status.

Before the World Cup, FIFA decided against proceeding with the $250 million external proposal, but connections to earlier talks with Thrive Eternal fund remain unclear.

FIFA disclosed plans for a global Under-15 tournament in December 2025. Initial rounds would feature boys, later followed by a girls’ edition, both held separately year-round.

Recently, FIFA announced hosting the Under-15 event in Azerbaijan in October, with no external investment yet. This decision was attributed to Azerbaijan’s robust sports infrastructure capable of accommodating participants centrally.