FIFA Under-15 World Cup Proposal Sparks Controversy
Infantino’s Proposal Without Council Notification
FIFA president Gianni Infantino did not inform the FIFA Council about his plans to solicit investment proposals from external investors for a proposed Under-15 World Cup for children. Sources close to three members of the Council disclosed that Infantino’s move to seek outside investment was made without the knowledge of the Council.
Commercialization Discussions
Infantino engaged in discussions over the past year to commercialize an Under-15 festival, inspired by baseball’s Little League World Series. The proposals aimed to involve all 211 FIFA nations. Businessmen, including Juan Carlos Rodríguez, developed a proposal supported by Eldridge Industries. This is a holding company led by Todd Boehly, chairman of Chelsea and co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Conversations with ESPN were held to host the event at their Wide World of Sports Complex in Florida, with plans for ceremonies at Disney World.
Investment Commitments
The proposal attracted over $250 million in financial commitments from investors, spearheaded by Boehly’s Eldridge. The intent was to secure returns via local broadcast deals and sponsorship. Partnership terms varied between 20 and 30 years, utilizing FIFA’s brand and licensing. FIFA’s chief of staff, Dan O’Toole, was involved in these discussions, paralleling another failed initiative involving J.P. Morgan.
Council Members’ Concerns
Several FIFA Council members expressed concern over the lack of communication regarding the commercialization talks. They questioned if this approach risks FIFA’s non-profit status. Representatives believed Infantino acted beyond his authority by not discussing the matter with the Council, which serves as FIFA’s main decision-making body.
FIFA’s Official Statements
FIFA stated that the Council was informed in December 2025 about the project’s financial requirements. However, the organization did not mention external investments as a possibility. FIFA assured that internal discussions followed governance regulations, despite no concerns from their employees about the commercial aspects impacting tax status.
Project Status Update
FIFA eventually informed Eldridge and Rodríguez that the initial proposal would not proceed. The decision came shortly before the World Cup, with conversations about conflicts with Thrive Eternal fund remaining undisclosed. FIFA announced plans for the global Under-15 tournament in December 2025, initially for boys, followed by a girls’ edition.
The FIFA Bureau of the Council later decided the event should take place in Azerbaijan without external investment. A FIFA statement emphasized the host country’s capabilities to accommodate the event, scheduled for late October.