Zurich-based FIFA is opening its most prized competitions to private investors, in a move already drawing threats of a European boycott.
The world governing body says it will bundle its broadcasting, sponsorship and ticketing rights into a new commercial company, with outside backers taking around 20% for several billion US dollars.
President Gianni Infantino says the deal will unlock over 10 billion US dollars for football development over four years. One of the partners in the proposed entity is tied to Donald Trump's family.
The European football body, UEFA, also based in Switzerland, has called it a line "no governing body should ever cross" and is reportedly weighing a World Cup boycott by European clubs and national federations.
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