FIFA has reaffirmed its commitment to moving ahead with consultations on its controversial proposal to allow private investment in the commercial operations of the FIFA World Cup, despite growing opposition from football stakeholders.
The world football governing body made the announcement on Friday after UEFA warned that it could boycott the World Cup over the proposal to establish a commercial subsidiary that would manage FIFA’s major tournaments and permit private investors to acquire stakes in the business.
In a statement, FIFA dismissed suggestions that it intended to privatise football.
“Nobody is selling football. This is not something FIFA would ever entertain,” the organisation said.
FIFA explained that all 211 member associations should be given the opportunity to examine the proposal and vote based on accurate information rather than speculation.
“We respect the feedback and concern aired in public and reaffirm our commitment to an open and democratic consultation,” FIFA stated.
The governing body also claimed that the planned consultation process had been disrupted by what it described as inaccurate media reports but insisted it would continue with the exercise to ensure every member association has a chance to make an informed decision.
According to FIFA, the proposed initiative—known as the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE)—could generate up to $4.2 billion, based on a valuation of $20 billion.
If approved, each of FIFA’s 211 member associations could receive a one-off payment of $20 million in early 2027, while funding for the 2027–2030 cycle would increase from $8 million to $20 million.
The proposal has continued to divide opinion within the football community, with several stakeholders expressing concerns about the long-term impact of private investment on the governance and future of the sport.
Source: AFP
