Fifa announced it intends to proceed with a proposal to sell minority stakes in a new commercial subsidiary that would operate its major tournaments, including the World Cup. The plan, outlined in a document prepared by investment bank JP Morgan, would create an entity called Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) to attract external investors while maintaining Fifa’s control over its competitions.
The proposal has faced significant opposition from multiple continental football confederations. Uefa voted Thursday to boycott World Cups should the plan be approved, calling it an abdication of Fifa’s duty as custodian of world football. Concacaf, representing North and Central America, said its 41 member associations rejected the proposal, while the Asian Football Confederation expressed deep concern about the lack of consultation and due process. Fifa president Gianni Infantino set a September 19 deadline for member associations to accept the plan in exchange for a $20 million payment, with the promise of $40 million for those who support it.
Fifa stated in a Friday statement that the consultation process had been disrupted by media reports and reaffirmed its commitment to democratic discussion among member associations. The organization emphasized that nobody is selling football and that the investment structure would not compromise Fifa’s governance. According to projections, the arrangement could increase payouts to member associations to 24 million euros per cycle in the 2035-2039 timeframe through expanded commercial opportunities.
Support for the plan varies globally. While wealthy European federations largely oppose it, some football associations from developing nations have indicated openness to additional funding sources. Representatives from African nations noted that Fifa development funding has historically supported critical infrastructure projects and grassroots programs in their countries, suggesting that increased resources through private investment could benefit smaller federations unable to generate substantial independent revenue.
Infantino, who became Fifa president in 2016, is expected to seek a fourth term in March. Prior to this controversy, his re-election was anticipated to be unopposed, though opposition to both the investment plan and his leadership has emerged among some confederations.
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