In news that has sparked outrage across the footballing world, FIFA president Gianni Infantino wants to make the World Cup available for investment from private suitors. It turns out, Infantino is set to make millions if all goes to plan for him.

FIFA are aiming to form a new commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprises (FFE), which will take responsibility for its major international competitions, such as the World Cup and the Club World Cup. Although the organisation has stated that they will maintain a majority stake of 51 per cent to ensure control, they hope to generate roughly $4.2 billion in initial capital by selling individual stakes to private investors.

The notion has drawn great criticism. UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham, for example, has commented: “The World Cup is not a product. It is the greatest competition in world sport, and it was never anyone’s to sell. Dress the deal up however you like. Once you have sold a piece of it, you have sold out. Football belongs to the fans. It always has, and it always will.”

Infantino Could Massively Boost His Current $6m Salary

For those who view this as an act of greed from FIFA, their beliefs will only be emboldened upon learning that Infantino is set to benefit financially from the proposal. A report from The Times has explained how the 56-year-old will take on a new role, and that would come with a big salary increase.

The article claims that Infantino’s role could be to become the commissioner or chief executive of the new company, once his last presidential term expires in 2031. While the exact compensation for the role hasn’t been finalised, sources indicate it could match the NFL commissioner’s salary of around $64m (£48.16m) annually.

That figure would represent a huge bump from what he currently makes at FIFA. Indeed, the Swiss administrator is said to make roughly $6m (£4.51m) per year as the organisation’s president. This is split between a base annual salary of $3.3m, paired with a performance-based bonus of around $2.8m.

As if speaking directly against Infantino, UEFA have commented, “FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends.”

English FA React as Infantino Aims to Sell World Cup

IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Mark J Rebilas

With Infantino set to make a personal fortune if FIFA’s aim to privatise the World Cup comes to pass, it’s no surprise that he appears to be pushing hard for the change. A ‘scandalous’ letter has reportedly now leaked, in which the 56-year-old appeared to inform 211 national member associations that they had a choice to either accept the proposal – which could see them each given as much as $40m (£30.1m) – or reject it and miss out on the money.

The nations have been given until just 19 September to make a final decision, but will face a potential 75 per cent reduction in funding if they aren’t on board. Among those to release a statement on the matter, the English FA have responded:

“We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached.

“Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved.

“When the proposal is shared in the full and transparent way now promised by FIFA, we will make our views clear, and comment further.”

French FA president Philippe Diallo also seemed surprised by the announcement, noting: “We learned through a press release about a very important project about which we have no details and which, given its nature, that is, attracting investment funds through a commercial entity separate from FIFA raises many questions.”

It will be interesting to learn which nations accept the proposal, and what happens to those who do not.

Barcelona enters the 2026/27 season as reigning La Liga champions and will have high hopes of building on their domestic success under the careful eye of manager Hansi Flick.

Now boasting a squad with eight World Cup winning members following Spain‘s historic second victory in the summer, a new confidence will wash over the squad as they look to build on the domestic dominance that has seen three league titles in four years.

Without doubt, cup success in Spain and, more importantly, Europe, will be targeted. Falling to Atlético Madrid in the quarter-finals of the Champions League and Copa del Rey were significant blows that will not be tolerated again.

However, an old foe is building something potentially menacing. The return of José Mourinho to Real Madrid, as well as multiple new signings, will give Barça plenty to contend with and the race for La Liga is set to be one of the most enticing for years.

This young and developing squad will improve year by year naturally, but Flick will know his side need to adapt and grow again, and quickly, if they are to hold off challengers in Spain and look to take down reigning European kings Paris Saint-Germain.

Financial constraints continue to shape every move in Catalonia, with La Liga’s salary limit forcing the club to balance the books before registering new faces. Expect further business before the window shuts on September 1.

Ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, GIVEMESPORT brings you every new signing and departure from the Camp Nou.

New Barcelona Signings 2026/27

The big news this summer revolves around Barcelona‘s attack. After a successful loan spell for Marcus Rashford, the club has opted to bring in another English winger in the form of Newcastle United‘s Anthony Gordon for £69million.

It represents the club’s biggest spend on an individual signing since Frenkie de Jong arrived in 2019. Given the financial restrictions that have plagued them since 2020, Gordon represents a strong statement, and they will hope he can produce something similar to the 17 goals and five assists he managed in all competitions last season.

More attacking depth was acquired in the form of speedster Karim Adeyemi, who arrived from Borussia Dortmund for around £18million. The 24-year-old set a Bundesliga record with his speed of 36.65 km/h in 2023 and is capable of playing on either flank or centrally, as he racked up 10 goals and six assists in his final year with Die Borussen.

Reports suggest they aren’t done yet, either. Bournemouth‘s Eli Junior Kroupi has been mentioned, whilst key target Julian Alvarez remains a dream striker signing and João Cancelo, who managed 16 league appearances last season on loan, could yet make his move permanent.

Barcelona Departures 2026/27

Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The major news is that Robert Lewandowski has departed the club, exiting at the end of his contract for a new challenge in the MLS with Chicago Fire. His goals helped fire Flick’s side to trophy success, netting 120 times in 193 games in all competitions.

Also exiting is academy graduate Ansu Fati after AS Monaco completed a move worth £9.5million. Despite a meteoric rise as a 17-year-old in the first-team, he managed just 86 league appearances in six seasons.

Whilst goalkeeping duo Iñaki Pena and Diego Kochen both departed, with the former heading to Panathinaikos for £2.5million while the other joined Lyngby BK on loan.

Despite his World Cup final Man of the Match performance, Ferran Torres‘ future has been in question due to his current deal expiring at the end of the season. No decision has been made on his future, but his exit can’t be ruled out.

Plus, one of their many young talented cohorts has been targeted; Arsenal are reportedly looking at midfielder Marc Bernal to bolster their midfield after winning the Premier League.

Transfer News

Real Madrid enter the upcoming 2026/27 season under a familiar face, with José Mourinho returning to the Bernabéu dugout tasked with hauling Los Blancos back to the summit after back-to-back trophyless campaigns.

Florentino Pérez was re-elected as president and moved decisively in the market, wrapping up four senior signings before pre-season was even underway, making a statement to the rest of Europe.

A new spine, blending experience and Premier League pedigree, is beginning to take shape, and we could yet see more additions as reports continue to flood in the aftermath of a Spanish World Cup victory.

Granted, the Mourinho that holds the position now is an older, more experienced and potentially less fiery character than the one who oversaw an incredible rivalry with Pep Guardiola, Barcelona and Lionel Messi. Yet, this stands out as potentially a chance to reignite a spirit that many believe has dwindled.

Further business, both in and out, is expected before the September 1 deadline as he looks to prepare his squad for a trophy hunt, and it ensures that Madrid will be must-watch entertainment this year.

Ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, GIVEMESPORT brings you every new signing and departure from Madrid.

New Real Madrid Signings 2026/27

Jerome Miron (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)

Arriving in defence are three additions, as Mourinho looks to build strong foundations at the back which has always been a key focus of his successful teams of years gone by. Left-back Marc Cucurella has joined from Chelsea in a £52million move, with the 28-year-old fresh off the World Cup victory, which helps to solve a long-standing problem position.

On the opposite flank, Denzel Dumfries arrived from Inter Milan as the long-term successor to Dani Carvajal, offering an interesting addition to their backline which already has Trent Alexander-Arnold.

Defensive reinforcement continued, this time at centre-back with the free-transfer capture of Ibrahima Konaté, who left Liverpool at the expiry of his contract to give them pace, power and experience.

Following along the same trend, veteran Bernardo Silva arriving on a free after leaving Manchester City was a smart move. Silva, 31, can play across midfield and even wide on the right, and brings the experience of winning 16 trophies under Guardiola.

More additions could yet arrive — significant deals that could make Madrid favourites for multiple trophies. The first being RB Leipzig‘s Yan Diomande; the Ivorian winger has agreed a deal to add firepower and raw pace to their attack.

The second potential deal is even bigger. Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has expressed his interest in joining the 15-time European Cup winners after seven years in Manchester.

Real Madrid Departures 2026/27

The end of an era arrived with the exit of Dani Carvajal, the highly-decorated right-back who was a key cornerstone of the three-peat European achievement under Zinedine Zidane. Also departing is defender David Alaba after five seasons at the club.

Outside of that, Madrid oversaw two sales, with midfielder Mario Martín completing a permanent switch to Getafe for a reported £3million, whilst left-back Fran Garcia joined Real Betis in a move worth around £3.4million.

With high-profile incomings inflating the squad, there is now a question of potential outgoings across the board, most notably the potential of Vinícius Junior, who has been linked with Arsenal. However, a fee over £100million has been requested any deal would make him the club’s highest-paid player by some distance, which casts doubt over a move.

Other squad players are potentially ‘free to leave’, which includes the likes of Eduardo Camavinga, Brahim Diaz, Alvaro Carreras, Rodrygo, Gonzalo Garcia and Franco Mastantuono, who Tottenham have targeted on loan.