FIFA to Proceed with Selling Part of Its Stake to Private Investors Despite Uproar

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has given football associations until September 19 to approve plans to sell part of FIFA’s commercial business to private investors in a move aimed at increasing funding for member associations.

The proposal has sparked criticism, with UEFA warning that football’s governing bodies should not treat the sport as an asset for sale.

According to a letter seen by Sky Sports News, Infantino told FIFA’s member associations they must support the creation of FIFA Forward Enterprise, a new commercial entity that would oversee the commercial rights of FIFA competitions, including the World Cup.

The proposal requires support from more than 50% of FIFA’s member associations, as well as approval from the FIFA Council.

If approved, member associations would receive $40 million starting January 1 under the new funding model.

Infantino also warned that associations that fail to support the proposal could receive significantly less funding for development projects, grassroots football and national teams.

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FIFA Funding Could Fall to $10 Million for Associations That Reject Plan

In his letter, Infantino said the new venture is designed to generate greater financial returns for football associations around the world.

“This entity will be fully focused on one target objective, generating as much value as possible for FIFA’s member associations.”

He also stated that if the required support is not achieved, FIFA will continue with its existing funding programme.

“Should the condition be satisfied, FIFA will continue as planned with the FIFA Forward Programme 4.0, approximately $10 million per member association.”

The latest proposal doubles the financial incentive that FIFA had previously communicated, increasing the amount from $20 million to $40 million for associations that back the plan.

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UEFA Renews Opposition to FIFA Plans

UEFA has intensified its criticism after FIFA gave member associations until September 19 to support the investment proposal or risk losing the one-off funding increase.

In its latest statement issued on July 29, UEFA said the deadline itself shows the nature of the proposal.

“Today we have learned of FIFA’s deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn. This says everything you need to know about this plan.”

UEFA said it had consulted widely across football and claimed resistance to FIFA’s proposal is growing.

“Having held discussions with many stakeholders across the game, UEFA knows there is significant and growing opposition to FIFA’s scheme.”

The European football governing body also accused FIFA of using the sport for financial gain.

“FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends. We can grow the game correctly. It’s time to prioritise associations, clubs, leagues, players and fans.”

The new statement follows UEFA’s earlier criticism, in which it argued that football’s governance should never be treated as a commercial asset.

“The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell.”

However, FIFA has not commented on how much Infantino could personally benefit from the deal or whether the proposal could affect his future leadership beyond the current presidential term limits.

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