FIFA is embroiled in a $20 billion World Cup controversy. Here's what's going on

FIFA President Gianni Infantino holds the trophy at full-time following the FIFA World Cup 2026 Final match between Spain and Argentina at New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19, 2026 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Chris Brunskill | Getty ImagesThe World Cup is officially for sale — at least a portion of it. FIFA, world soccer's governing body, announced on Tuesday that it plans to form a subsidiary to run the tournament, opening the door for investors to buy stakes of up to ​20% in the spinout firm. Orchestrated by its president Gianni Infantino, the move has drawn backlash across the sport. UEFA – European soccer's governing body – accused FIFA of "crossing a line" and said the tournament was not its to sell. CNBC explores what FIFA is planning and why the proposal is so unpopular across the world of soccer.What is FIFA proposing? Encouraged by the largest and most commercially successful World Cup on record, Infantino is pushing for even greater commercialization via the new venture, FIFA Forward Enterprises (FFE). In a statement published on Tuesday, FIFA said FFE would raise up to $4.2 billion from third parties, which values the subsidiary at $20 billion. The organization ad...