FIFA has insisted that football is “not for sale” while defending a plan to let private investors acquire minority stakes in a new commercial entity that would oversee its premier tournaments.
FIFA’s Statement Amid Growing Opposition
The world football governing body released the governing body issued the statement on Friday after UEFA threatened to boycott future FIFA World Cups if the proposal is approved. Concacaf, which represents North and Central America and the Caribbean, also confirmed that its 41 member associations had rejected the plan.
FIFA dismissed reports suggesting it intended to sell football 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 governing body added, “Nobody is selling football. This is not something FIFA would ever entertain.”
Details of the Proposed Commercial Subsidiary
Under the proposal, FIFA wants to establish a commercial subsidiary known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). Outside investors would be allowed to purchase minority, non‑controlling stakes in this entity.
FIFA said the structure would help member associations benefit from football’s commercial growth while preserving FIFA’s governance, insisting that the move “does not come at the cost of either the spirit or the governance of FIFA or football itself.”
Strong Criticism from Continental Bodies
The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from several continental football bodies. UEFA accused FIFA of turning football into a commercial asset and argued that 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. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale.”
UEFA
Concacaf also questioned the proposal, saying its members were concerned about the lack of consultation and the short deadline given to national associations. The Asian Football Confederation expressed similar reservations, while CAF and the Oceania Football Confederation are expected to discuss the plan in August. South American governing body CONMEBOL has yet to make its position public.
Financial Incentives and Required Support
FIFA president Gianni Infantino previously told member associations they could receive up to $40 million if they backed the proposal, with an initial payment of $20 million 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 also weighed in on 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… I think it’s a common feeling of football people that 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 and attractiveness is why it creates such strong emotions and passions across competitions worldwide.
