Fifa is proposing a significant expansion of its commercial activities, including increasing the number of global tournaments and raising ticket prices, according to a sales document prepared by JP Morgan. The plan involves selling a 20% stake in Fifa’s commercial operations to US investor Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, who is the son-in-law of former US President Donald Trump.

The prospectus, intended to persuade Fifa’s 211 member associations to back the initiative, outlines a substantial increase in financial distributions. The associations have already been offered a $20 million sign-up payment, potentially payable as early as January. Over the longer term, the document projects that Fifa Forward payments—financial support packages distributed every four years—would rise to $24 million per member by the 2035-2039 cycle.

JP Morgan’s sales presentation emphasizes that this growth will be driven by an expanded tournament portfolio, securing third-party capital and debt financing, and focusing on high-yield partnerships and events. Notably, the document suggests the number of global tournaments held annually could more than double, jumping from 200 to as many as 450 events worldwide. Such an increase would place considerable demands on player schedules and logistics.

One of the most prominent components of the proposal involves staging the FIFA World Cup more frequently. Gianni Infantino, Fifa’s president, had earlier proposed shifting the tournament to a biennial schedule five years ago, a move that would likely boost revenue streams. The prospectus also discusses the possibility of selling broadcast rights for major events like the World Cup to subscription channels or streaming platforms, representing a shift from traditional free-to-air coverage and potentially increasing income from media deals.

The 25-page document, titled “Fifa Forward Enterprise Member Materials,” outlines the creation of a new corporate entity that would manage Fifa’s commercial operations. It highlights a strategy reliant on growing debt financing alongside ticket price hikes and the proliferation of tournaments to achieve financial expansion.

While the plan offers a pathway to enhanced revenues and stronger financial support for member associations, it raises concerns about the intensification of player workloads and the increasing commercialisation of international football. The involvement of a private investor with close ties to notable US political figures and the backing of JP Morgan—previously involved in the unsuccessful European Super League effort—adds further dimension to the evolving commercial landscape of the sport.