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 Stands Firm: Football Is Not for Sale
FIFA has insisted that football is “not for sale” as it defended plans to let private investors acquire minority stakes in a new commercial entity that would oversee its premier tournaments.
Growing Opposition from Continental Bodies
The governing body released a statement on Friday after UEFA warned it might boycott future FIFA World Cups if the proposal proceeds. Concacaf, representing North and Central America and the Caribbean, also announced that its 41 member associations had rejected the plan.
FIFA dismissed reports suggesting it intended to sell football, pledging to continue consulting its 211 member associations before any decision is taken.
“We respect the feedback and concern aired in public and reaffirm our commitment to an open and democratic consultation.”
FIFA statement
The statement added: “We will proceed with this consultation process to ensure that each MA (member association) has the ability to 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 proposal, FIFA would create a commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). Outside investors would be allowed to purchase minority, non‑controlling stakes in FFE.
FIFA argues the structure would help member associations benefit from football’s commercial growth while preserving the organization’s governance.
“This does not come at the cost of either the spirit or the governance of FIFA or football itself.”
FIFA
Strong Criticism from UEFA and Others
UEFA accused FIFA of turning football into a commercial asset, insisting the World Cup should never be opened to private investment.
“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product. It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies, built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale.”
UEFA
UEFA went on to call the move a “profound failure of leadership” and an abdication of FIFA’s duty as the custodian of world football.
Regional Reactions and Next Steps
Concacaf also questioned the proposal, citing concerns over insufficient consultation and a tight deadline for national associations. The Asian Football Confederation expressed similar reservations, while CAF and the Oceania Football Confederation are expected to discuss the plan in August. CONMEBOL has yet to state its position publicly.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino previously told member associations they could receive up to $40 million if they backed the proposal, with an initial $20 million payment available to federations that approve the plan before the 19 September deadline.
Approval would require the support of at least 106 of FIFA’s 211 member associations.
Voices from the Football Community
Chelsea manager and 2010 World Cup winner Xabi Alonso added his voice to the debate, backing calls to keep football free from private ownership.
“I think that football has to be for the people, not in private hands… we want something that we keep in the hands of everyone, that it’s for all the people.”
Xabi Alonso
He emphasized that the game’s authenticity and emotional appeal stem from being a shared, public asset.
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