Kushner Regrets World Cup Sell-Off: 'Would Not Have Joined'

Venture capitalist Joshua Kushner has expressed regret over his involvement in a controversial proposal to sell stakes in the FIFA World Cup. Kushner stated that he would not have participated in the plan if he had anticipated the intense negative reaction from the global football community.

The initiative, which was championed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, aimed to introduce commercial investors into the tournament's ownership structure. However, the proposal faced widespread criticism from fans, players, and industry observers who viewed the move as a dangerous commodification of the sport that could compromise its integrity.

Due to the significant opposition and pressure, the project was ultimately scrapped. Kushner’s comments offer a rare glimpse into the internal dynamics of the failed venture, highlighting how the scale of the backlash exceeded the expectations of those involved. This admission underscores the delicate balance FIFA must strike between financial innovation and preserving the traditional values of the game. The incident serves as a cautionary tale for future attempts to modernize football’s commercial model, emphasizing the critical importance of stakeholder engagement and public sentiment in such high-profile decisions.