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 Investment Plan Amid Growing Opposition
FIFA has reiterated that football is “not for sale” while defending a proposal to let private investors acquire minority, non‑controlling stakes in a newly created commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). The governing body says the move would help member associations benefit from the sport’s commercial growth without compromising FIFA’s governance or the spirit of the game.
The statement came after UEFA warned it might boycott future FIFA World Cups if the plan is approved. Concacaf, representing North and Central America and the Caribbean, also announced that its 41 member associations have rejected the proposal.
FIFA dismissed reports suggesting it intended to sell football outright, describing them as inaccurate. The organization pledged to continue consulting its 211 member associations before any final decision is taken.
“We respect the feedback and concern aired in public and reaffirm our commitment to an open and democratic consultation,” the statement read. “We will proceed with this consultation process to ensure that each member association can express its vote based on facts. Nobody is selling football. This is not something FIFA would ever entertain.”
Details of the Proposed Commercial Structure
Under the plan, FIFA would establish FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) as a commercial arm. Outside investors would be allowed to purchase minority stakes, but they would not gain control over FIFA’s decision‑making processes. The body argues that the structure preserves FIFA’s governance while enabling associations to share in football’s expanding revenue streams.
Strong Criticism from Continental Confederations
UEFA condemned the idea, arguing that turning the World Cup into an investment product undermines its status as a sporting legacy built over generations by players, national teams and fans worldwide. “No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale,” UEFA said, adding that the move represents a failure of leadership and an abdication of FIFA’s duty as custodian of world football.
Concacaf echoed similar concerns, noting that its members were troubled by the limited consultation period and the short deadline imposed on national associations. The Asian Football Confederation has also expressed reservations, while CAF and the Oceania Football Confederation are set to discuss the proposal in August. CONMEBOL has yet to state its position publicly.
Financial Incentives and Approval Threshold
FIFA president Gianni Infantino previously told member associations that supporting the plan could yield up to $40 million per federation, with an initial $20 million payment available to those that approve the initiative before the 19 September deadline. To pass, the proposal needs the backing of at least 106 of FIFA’s 211 member associations.
Voices from the Football Community
Former Chelsea manager and 2010 World Cup winner Xabi Alonso joined the debate, emphasizing that football should belong to the people, not private interests. “I think that football has to be for the people, not in private hands… we want something we keep in the hands of everyone, that it’s for all the people,” Alonso said, urging stakeholders to protect the game’s authenticity and passion.
About the Author
