Key facts
- FIFA plans to sell up to 21% of a new entity, FIFA Forward Enterprises (FFE), to private investors.
- The sale aims to raise $4.2 billion to fund the FIFA Fast-Forward Programme (FFFP).
- FFE will manage commercial operations for FIFA's main events, including the World Cup.
- Member associations could receive an initial $20 million payment upon approval.
- Thrive Capital, an investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner, is expected to lead the investor group.
- JP Morgan is serving as FIFA's chief advisor for this project.
FIFA has announced plans to sell a significant minority stake in a newly formed entity, FIFA Forward Enterprises (FFE), which will manage the commercial operations of its major events, including the World Cup and Club World Cup. The move is intended to raise approximately $4.2 billion to triple the development funding distributed to its 211 member associations through the new FIFA Fast-Forward Programme (FFFP).
Under the proposal, which requires approval from a majority of national associations and FIFA's council, private investors could acquire up to 21% of FFE. FIFA would retain a majority stake in the new company. This initiative, spearheaded by FIFA President Gianni Infantino, aims to provide member associations with increased financial resources for development projects, with each association potentially receiving an initial $20 million payment if the plan is approved by September 19.
Regular Forward Programme grants are set to increase substantially, rising from $8 million to $20 million per nation in the next four-year cycle, with further increases planned for subsequent cycles. JP Morgan has been advising FIFA on the project, and Thrive Capital, an investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner, is expected to lead the proposed investor group. The plan has faced swift opposition from UEFA, which has stated that the World Cup is not FIFA's to sell.