Thrive Capital Hires Alex Spiro as UEFA Targets $4.2 Billion FIFA Deal
Thrive Capital hires Alex Spiro as UEFA seeks documents on Gianni Infantino’s failed $4.2 billion FIFA venture and its $20 billion valuation amid legal scrutiny.
Summary
As of September 1, 2026, Thrive Capital is entangled in litigation that could contribute to criminal charges against FIFA president Gianni Infantino. FIFA Forward Enterprise, or FFE, would have held commercial rights and revenue from competitions including World Cup television rights and ticket sales. FIFA’s 211 member associations would have owned equal stakes and could optionally sell shares to private investors. JPMorgan recruited investors, and Josh Kushner’s Thrive agreed to lead, but not solely fund, a $4.2 billion secondary purchase representing 20% of FFE at a $20 billion valuation.
UEFA’s 55 European associations, which benefit disproportionately under FIFA’s current structure, and Concacaf’s 41 associations across North America, Central America and the Caribbean opposed potential outside influence, particularly from private equity. FIFA abandoned FFE before members voted. FIFA chief operating officer Kevin Lamour was reportedly fired after criticizing Infantino and the proposal, while European fans are demanding Infantino’s removal.
UEFA is pursuing legal action, trying to build a criminal case and alleging FFE was undervalued. It asked a U.S. federal court to compel Thrive to provide valuation records, communications, term sheets and other prospective investors’ identities. Kushner said FFE could have spread capital across all 211 members to support underdeveloped countries, local talent, grassroots soccer and fans, but acknowledged misreading soccer politics and said Thrive would not have participated had it anticipated the fallout. Thrive hired Quinn Emanuel partner Alex Spiro, whose clients include Elon Musk, Jay-Z, Alec Baldwin, New York City Mayor Eric Adams and Rippling in its corporate espionage case against Deel. Spiro represented Musk in the 2019 “pedo guy” defamation case, Tesla’s “funding secured” litigation and disputes over the Twitter acquisition.
Positives
- FFE would have given all 211 FIFA member associations equal ownership of major commercial revenue.
- Member associations would have voted on FFE and retained the choice of whether to sell shares privately.
- Thrive committed to lead a $4.2 billion investment for 20% of FFE.
- Josh Kushner said FFE could fund local talent, grassroots soccer and fan development in underdeveloped countries.
Risks & concerns
- FIFA abandoned FFE before its 211 member associations could vote on the proposal.
- UEFA is pursuing legal action and attempting to build a criminal case involving FIFA president Gianni Infantino.
- UEFA alleges the proposed $20 billion valuation was too low and is seeking Thrive’s records through a U.S. federal court.
- FIFA reportedly fired chief operating officer Kevin Lamour after he criticized Infantino and FFE.
- UEFA and Concacaf opposed potential private investor influence over FIFA’s commercial assets.
- Josh Kushner said Thrive would not have joined the deal had it anticipated the resulting turmoil.