Key facts
- FIFA is proposing to sell a minority stake in its World Cup commercial operations to private investors.
- The governing body aims to raise $4.2 billion from the sale.
- Member associations could receive $40 million each if they back the plan.
- UEFA, the English FA, and the AFC have strongly condemned the proposal.
- The Indonesian FA president has stated his support for the sale.
FIFA is facing significant backlash over a proposal to sell a minority stake in its World Cup commercial operations to private investors, a move that has drawn sharp criticism from major football bodies including UEFA, the English FA, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC).
Despite the widespread condemnation, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has vowed to proceed, stating that the organization will retain a majority share in the new entity, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). The plan aims to raise $4.2 billion later this year by 'carefully selecting long-term investors who will purchase minority, non-controlling interests'.
Infantino has reportedly offered member associations up to $40 million each for their backing by September 19. However, this incentive has been met with strong opposition, with some sources labeling the offer as 'pure bribery'. UEFA has scheduled an emergency meeting to discuss the controversial proposal.
Hans-Joachim Watzke, a vice-president on UEFA's executive committee, expressed strong disapproval, telling Germany's Kicker that many in European football view FIFA's plans as an 'outright attack on football' and that 'a line has been crossed'. The Indonesian FA president, however, has publicly stated his intention to support the sale.