FA Chairwoman Presses FIFA's Infantino for Documents on World Cup Equity Plan

Debbie Hewitt, who holds the dual roles of FIFA vice president and chairwoman of England's Football Association (FA), has demanded that FIFA president Gianni Infantino release all documents concerning a proposal to allow private investors to purchase stakes in the World Cup, according to sources cited by ESPN.

The demand centers on a plan reportedly put forward by Infantino that would open the door for private equity investment in football's most prominent international tournament. Details of the proposal have not been made fully public, and the specific investors or financial terms involved were not disclosed in the available reporting.

According to the sources, Hewitt is seeking full transparency on the matter, requesting that FIFA share the underlying documentation that outlines the scope and structure of the equity plan. The request underscores tension within FIFA's leadership regarding oversight of major financial decisions affecting the governing body's flagship event.

Neither FIFA nor representatives for Infantino have publicly commented on the specifics of Hewitt's request or the content of the disputed documents. The FA has also not issued a public statement elaborating on the matter beyond what was reported by sources to ESPN.

The development comes amid broader scrutiny of FIFA's governance and financial dealings under Infantino's leadership. As vice president, Hewitt occupies a senior position within FIFA's decision-making structure, and her intervention suggests internal disagreement over how such a significant proposal should be handled and disclosed to stakeholders.

Further details about the timeline of the alleged proposal, the identity of potential private investors, or FIFA's response to the request for documents have not yet been made available. ESPN indicated its reporting was based on unnamed sources familiar with the situation.