FIFA President Gianni Infantino speaks during a press conference at the Qatar National Convention Center (QNCC) in Doha on November 19, 2022, ahead of the Qatar 2022 World Cup football tournament. - Infantino hit back at Western critics of Qatar's human rights record at his opening press conference of the World Cup on November 19, blasting their "hypocrisy". (Photo by FABRICE COFFRINI / AFP)
FIFA Defends Football Ownership Amid Investor Plan Opposition
FIFA has reiterated that football is “not for sale” while defending a proposal to create a commercial subsidiary that would allow private investors to acquire minority, non‑controlling stakes. The governing body released the statement on Friday after UEFA warned it might boycott future World Cups if the plan proceeds.
Concacaf, representing North and Central America and the Caribbean, announced that its 41 member associations rejected the proposal. FIFA responded by saying reports of a football sale were inaccurate and pledged to continue consulting its 211 member associations before any decision is made.
“We respect the feedback and concern expressed publicly and reaffirm our commitment to an open and democratic consultation,” the statement read. “We will proceed with this consultation process to ensure each member association can vote based on facts. Nobody is selling football; this is something FIFA would never entertain.”
Details of the FIFA Forward Enterprise Proposal
Under the plan, FIFA would establish a commercial arm called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). Outside investors could purchase minority stakes, with the aim of helping member associations benefit from football’s commercial growth while preserving FIFA’s governance.
FIFA insists the initiative would not compromise the spirit or governance of the sport. “This does not come at the cost of either the spirit or the governance of FIFA or football itself,” the statement added.
Strong Opposition from Continental Bodies
UEFA has been the most vocal critic, arguing that turning the World Cup into an investment product undermines its sporting legacy. “The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product,” UEFA said, describing it as a profound failure of leadership and an abdication of FIFA’s custodial duty.
Concacaf echoed concerns about insufficient consultation and the tight deadline given to national associations. The Asian Football Confederation has expressed similar reservations, while CAF and the Oceania Football Confederation are set to discuss the plan in August. CONMEBOL has yet to state its position.
Reactions from Football Figures
Former Chelsea manager and 2010 World Cup winner Xabi Alonso backed calls to keep football free from private ownership. “Football has to be for the people, not in private hands,” he said. “We love the game because it belongs to everyone, and we must protect that feeling.”
FIFA president Gianni Infantino previously told member associations they could receive up to $40 million if they supported the proposal, with an initial $20 million payment available to federations that approve the plan before the 19 September deadline. Approval would require the backing of at least 106 of FIFA’s 211 member associations.
As the consultation process continues, the debate highlights a growing tension between football’s commercial ambitions and its traditional identity as a sport for the masses.
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