UEFA threatens Infantino, Joshua Kushner with legal action
politico.eu • • sports
Key Points:
- UEFA has threatened legal action against FIFA President Gianni Infantino, venture capitalist Joshua Kushner, and others involved in a plan to privatize part of the World Cup's commercial operations.
- The controversial proposal involved transferring FIFA’s commercial rights and tournament operations to a private entity in partnership with Kushner’s Thrive Capital, allowing private investors to acquire a 20% stake.
- UEFA opposed the plan, citing lack of consultation with member associations and concerns over privatizing tournament business, and unanimously voted to boycott the World Cup if the project proceeded; the proposal was ultimately shelved.
- A legal notice was sent to Infantino, Kushner, and others warning them to preserve all relevant materials due to anticipated legal proceedings.
- The European Commission, through EU Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef, has indicated it will investigate the proposal for potential competition law issues.
