Joshua Kushner blames power struggle for FIFA World Cup plan collapse

By the Editorial Team · Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Joshua Kushner, through his firm Thrive Capital, confirmed that internal conflicts within global football led to the collapse of the $20 billion FIFA Forward Enterprise investment plan aimed at funding development programs. The failed initiative has sparked legal scrutiny from UEFA against FIFA’s leadership, highlighting deep divisions in football governance and the challenges of introducing private capital into the sport.

Joshua Kushner, a prominent investor and brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law to former U.S. President Donald Trump, has attributed the collapse of a high-profile FIFA World Cup investment plan to internal power struggles within global football. His remarks, issued on Monday, represent his first public response since the initiative was abandoned amidst widespread controversy.

Kushner, whose firm Thrive Capital was poised to lead the investment effort, expressed regret over the backlash. He acknowledged that his team underestimated the complex political environment tied to FIFA and the broader football community. “Had we known what this would devolve into, we would not have gotten involved,” Kushner said in a statement obtained by news agencies.

The proposal, known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), intended to introduce private capital into FIFA events by creating a $20 billion commercial entity. FIFA had projected that the initiative would generate $4.2 billion to fund development programs benefiting less affluent football associations. The plan was set to be put to a vote among FIFA’s 211 member associations.

However, the initiative faced immediate criticism, particularly from UEFA, European football’s governing body. UEFA president Aleksander Ceferin publicly condemned the FFE arrangement, describing it as a “shady, opaque backroom deal.” The European body has since pushed for the removal of FIFA President Gianni Infantino, accusing him of “criminal mismanagement.”

Legal documents reviewed by reporters indicate that UEFA is preparing a criminal case against Infantino in Switzerland, where both FIFA and UEFA are headquartered. In parallel, UEFA has sought to subpoena Kushner and Thrive Capital in New York to obtain documents and testimony related to the failed investment effort. It is important to note that Kushner and his firm have not been charged with any wrongdoing and are not expected to be defendants in the legal proceedings.

In defending the original proposal, Kushner emphasized the envisioned equitable distribution of resources across all FIFA member countries. He argued that the goal was to broaden access to investment, particularly for underdeveloped football nations, with the aim of nurturing talent, enhancing fan experiences, and growing the sport worldwide. Kushner highlighted that the initiative would have required approval by member votes, underscoring that participation was voluntary.

Thrive Capital has a history of partnerships with varied stakeholders and is also involved in a major investment nearing completion to acquire the Los Angeles Lakers, a leading NBA franchise, in a record $12.5 billion deal.

As UEFA advances its legal actions, the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan stands as a controversial chapter in the evolving landscape of football governance and financing.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.