FIFA has vowed to move forward with a consultation on a controversial plan to let private investors acquire minority stakes in future World Cup tournaments, even as European football's governing body threatens a boycott. In a statement on Friday, the world football body insisted that "nobody is selling football" and that the proposal would be subject to an "open and democratic" process involving all 211 member associations.
The plan, announced on Tuesday, would create a commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) to manage events like the World Cup. FIFA estimates it could raise up to $4.2 billion based on a $20 billion valuation. Each member association would receive a one-off payment of $20 million in early 2027, and their funding allocation for the 2027-2030 cycle would rise from $8 million to $20 million.
However, FIFA appeared to soften its stance, saying that without the support of its members, "FIFA's commercial activities would remain unchanged. FFE would not be established." The statement also noted that the consultation process had been "disrupted by incorrect media reports" and that it would proceed to ensure each association could vote based on facts.
UEFA and CONCACAF push back
UEFA, which represents 55 national associations, threatened on Thursday to boycott any FIFA competition if the plan remains alive. In a strongly worded statement, it said: "The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product... No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale." The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF), with 41 members, also voiced unanimous opposition.
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin, who already skipped the World Cup final earlier this month over earlier disputes with FIFA, said: "Football's future cannot be dictated by the expectations of those whose first duty is to maximise financial return." He has been a vocal critic of FIFA President Gianni Infantino's leadership.
The proposal has drawn criticism from several leading European federations and EU officials. Glenn Micallef, the European commissioner for sports, praised UEFA on social media for "defending the integrity of the game," adding: "Proud to see Europe's football associations leading on governance, standing firm on their principles."
Football Supporters Europe, a fan group that advises UEFA, posted "Game over, Gianni #InfantinOUT" after the boycott threat, reflecting growing discontent among supporters.
Infantino's position under pressure
The plan, which would allow external investors to buy up to 20% of FFE, includes Joshua Kushner, whose brother Jared is married to Ivanka Trump and was a senior adviser to former US President Donald Trump. This has raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, especially given the upcoming World Cup in North America.
Infantino had seemed poised for an unopposed re-election for a fourth term in March, but this financial gambit has unsettled stakeholders. Three of the six continental confederations have expressed anger, and the 18 November deadline for presidential candidates is approaching. The vote is scheduled for next March in Rabat, Morocco.
FIFA's insistence on proceeding despite the backlash highlights the deep divisions within global football governance. While Infantino has called the initiative a "golden opportunity to turbocharge the development of the game globally," critics argue it prioritizes profit over the sport's integrity. The coming weeks will test whether FIFA can broker a compromise or face a historic boycott from Europe.
