FIFA defends 4.2bn World Cup stake sale plan amid UEFA and EU backlash
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is defending the organization's controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, despite mounting backlash from key football organizations.
The plan involves creating a new company called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) to manage commercial rights, including broadcasting, sponsorship, and licensing. FIFA aims to raise $4.2 billion by selling minority stakes in the new company, which is valued at around $20 billion.
Infantino insisted on Wednesday that the proposed launch of FFE is "an opportunity but not an obligation" for member associations. In a video message, he stated, "FIFA Forward Enterprise, or FFE, is actually a proposal, an offer. It's part of a democratic process - a consultation process - and, above all, it is an opportunity but not an obligation."
The plan has faced strong criticism from UEFA, CONCACAF, the Asian Football Confederation, and European officials. UEFA accused FIFA of "selling football" with the investment plan. European football leaders are considering a potential boycott of future World Cups, and the European Union has also expressed concerns about the plan.
Infantino addressed the criticism by arguing that the plan aims to unlock "previously uncaptured commercial value" and benefit football development globally. He offered $40 million to each federation that supports the plan by September 19, 2026.
The decision on the plan requires approval from a majority of FIFA's 211 member associations and the FIFA council. Infantino emphasized that the plan is not about changing the sport but about increasing financial support for football development.
Critics fear that the plan could lead to more commercialization and potential conflicts of interest. European football officials are particularly concerned about the impact on the governance of the sport.
In response to the backlash, Infantino stated, "Fans from everywhere in the world would gain immeasurably from this game-changing potential because it will transform football in their countries."
The controversy highlights the ongoing tension between FIFA's commercial ambitions and the concerns of key stakeholders in the football community. The next FIFA Congress, where the plan could be discussed further, is scheduled for March 2027 in Morocco.
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