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 Insists Football Is Not for Sale Amid Growing Opposition
FIFA has pushed back against claims that it intends to sell football, defending a proposal that would let private investors acquire minority stakes in a new commercial entity set to oversee its premier tournaments.
The governing body issued a 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, also said its 41 member associations had rejected the idea.
FIFA described reports of a potential sale as inaccurate and pledged 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 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 FIFA Forward Enterprise
Under the plan, FIFA would create a commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). Outside investors would be allowed to purchase minority, non‑controlling shares.
FIFA argues that the structure would help member associations benefit from football’s commercial growth while preserving FIFA’s governance.
“This does not come at the cost of either the spirit or the governance of FIFA or football itself,” the governing body said.
Strong Opposition from Continental Bodies
UEFA has been the most vocal critic, accusing FIFA of turning football into a commercial asset and 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
Concacaf echoed those concerns, noting its members were worried about the limited consultation period and the tight deadline for national associations to respond.
The Asian Football Confederation expressed similar 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 Voting Requirements
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 before the 19 September deadline.
Approval would require the backing of at least 106 of FIFA’s 211 member associations.
Voices from the Football Community
Chelsea manager and 2010 World Cup winner Xabi Alonso also weighed in, 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 added that preserving the game’s authenticity is what fuels the passion seen in tournaments such as the World Cup, Champions League and Premier League.
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