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 Its Commercial Proposal
FIFA has released a statement insisting that football is “not for sale” as it defends a proposal to create a commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would allow private investors to purchase minority, non‑controlling stakes.
Opposition from UEFA and Other Confederations
The announcement came after UEFA warned it might boycott future FIFA World Cups if the plan is approved. Concacaf confirmed that its 41 member associations rejected the proposal, citing insufficient consultation and a tight deadline.
The Asian Football Confederation 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 publicly.
FIFA’s Assurances and Consultation Process
FIFA said reports that it intends to sell football are inaccurate and pledged to continue consulting its 211 member associations before any decision is taken. The governing body emphasized that the FFE structure would help associations benefit from football’s commercial growth without compromising FIFA’s governance or the sport’s spirit.
Financial Incentives and Voting Threshold
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.
Reactions from Prominent Figures in Football
Chelsea manager and 2010 World Cup winner Xabi Alonso weighed in, stating that football must remain for the people and not fall into private hands. He echoed the sentiment that the game’s authenticity lies in its collective ownership.
UEFA went further, describing the World Cup as a sporting legacy that should never be turned into an investment product, accusing FIFA of abdicating its custodial duties.
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