Former FIFA vice-president Jim Boyce has called on the world football governing body to prioritize the interests of fans following the collapse of plans to sell a minority stake in the World Cup. Boyce described FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s proposal to open FIFA competitions to private investment as "ludicrous," emphasizing that FIFA, as a non-profit organization, does not need outside investors.
The original proposal, unveiled on July 28, aimed to raise up to US$4.2 billion by selling approximately a 20 percent stake in a new commercial entity overseeing FIFA events, including the World Cup. The plan met with strong opposition from various stakeholders, notably UEFA, which threatened to boycott FIFA events and accused the organization of compromising the sport's integrity.
Boyce argued that allowing private investors into FIFA’s commercial operations would inherently prioritize profit over football development. "If you invest, you’re looking to make money out of that investment," he said. He underscored that the primary purpose of FIFA should remain the global promotion and development of football, which he contended can be done without outside financial involvement.
The backlash against the proposal intensified internal and external pressure on Infantino’s leadership. On August 1, UEFA and CONCACAF publicly stated they had lost confidence in the FIFA president. Adding to the turmoil, Infantino’s senior adviser Carlos Cordeiro resigned on July 31, labeling the investor plan a "bad deal for football." With Infantino facing re-election in 2027, reports suggested that CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani may mount a leadership challenge.
Since taking over in 2016 from former president Sepp Blatter, Infantino has twice been re-elected unopposed. Boyce noted that Infantino now has roughly eight months to regain credibility among FIFA member associations before the next election, warning that the recent controversy represented a significant setback.
Beyond the investor plan, Boyce also criticized FIFA’s management of the game in other areas. He expressed concern over the high ticket prices at the recent World Cup hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, describing them as "absolutely ludicrous" and out of reach for average supporters. He also questioned the role and application of the video assistant referee (VAR) system, suggesting its current use had become "absolutely crazy" and should be limited to clear and obvious errors by match officials.
Additionally, Boyce referenced the disciplinary case involving American player Florian Balogun, whose red card suspension was controversially lifted after intervention from U.S. President Donald Trump. Boyce described the decision to overturn Balogun’s ban as "terrible" and warned that such actions undermine FIFA’s integrity.
Overall, Boyce stressed the need for FIFA to repair its relationship with fans and member associations and refocus on promoting the sport globally rather than pursuing commercial ventures that could jeopardize football’s core values.