FIFA Considers A Move To America

The international governing body of soccer is reportedly weighing a multi-billion dollar move to the USA.

The move from Zurich to the United States would be an effort to expand FIFA's global profile and grow its billion dollar business. The move was first reported in The New York Times.

FIFA is considering locations on both the east and west coasts and is weighing a number of factors, such as work visas and tax breaks. The offices would be focused on sponsorships and broadcast rights, which are some of the most lucrative in sports. FIFA reported revenue of $4.6 billion in 2018.

Part of the interest in leaving Zurich includes putting distance between FIFA and its scandalized reputation in Switzerland.

Back in 2015, members of FIFA's executive board were arrested in Zurich as part of a U.S. Justice Department crackdown on corrupt business practices, such as bribery, dating back two decades. Ultimately the investigation led to the resignation of longtime president Sepp Blatter.

FIFA's headquarters have been in Zurich since 1932. They opened an office in Paris in June.