Uefa reacts with fury to Infantino World Cup plan

FIFA says it plans to expand “football development funding” to more than $10bn (£7.5bn) and invite third-party investment in a new commercial structure, triggering a sharp reaction from UEFA. The proposal, first reported by the Financial Times and The Times, would create a wholly-owned subsidiary, Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE), with “minority, non-controlling” stakes sold to investors. FIFA says approval would require a vote of its 211 member nations. FIFA expects Thrive Eternal—an American venture capital firm founded by Joshua Kushner—to lead the investor group, though it says there was no discussion of Infantino becoming CEO. FIFA also says member associations could access up to $20m (£15m) in one-off capital.