FIFA is facing sharp opposition from across the soccer world after revealing plans to sell a minority stake in a new private subsidiary that would control the business operations of the World Cup and its other competitions.
According to Yahoo Sports, FIFA announced Tuesday it would retain a majority share in a new entity called FIFA Forward Enterprise, or FFE, and hoped to raise $4.2 billion by selling minority, non-controlling interests to long-term investors later this year. By Wednesday, the backlash was in full force.
Multiple media outlets reported that FIFA president Gianni Infantino sent a letter to member associations outlining a financial incentive tied to the proposal. "In total for the upcoming cycle starting as of January 1, 2027, each member association will have the possibility of access up to $40 million per member association under this proposal," Infantino wrote. Sources opposed to the plan told The Times, which first reported the story Tuesday, that the offer amounted to "pure bribery."
UEFA called an emergency meeting Wednesday and issued a direct statement. Hans-Joachim Watzke, a vice-president of UEFA's executive committee, told Germany's Kicker: "Many in European football see FIFA's plans as an outright attack on football. I share this view. A line has been crossed here." UEFA's official statement was equally blunt: "The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade -- especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA's to sell."
The opposition extended beyond Europe. CONCACAF, which governs football in North and Central America, said it was "deeply concerned by the lack of due process." The Asian Football Confederation said it was "disappointed" it had not been consulted before the plans were announced.
The European Union also weighed in. Glenn Micallef, the EU commissioner for Sport, posted on X: "Hands off our game."
The Times also reported that Infantino, 56, could personally benefit from the arrangement by becoming commissioner of FFE after his expected next presidential term ends in 2031. FIFA denied that this had been discussed.
Among the potential investors named in reporting are Thrive Capital, an investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, and an arm of JP Morgan Chase. JP Morgan previously attempted to finance the failed breakaway European Super League.
The plan is not final. It would still require approval from FIFA's 38-member council and a majority of its 211 member associations. FIFA said it intends to present the proposal to the council soon. Member associations face a deadline of September 19 to sign on under the terms Infantino outlined in his letter.
