FIFA has attributed the international backlash over its plan to sell World Cup stakes to private investors to "erroneous reporting" by the media. In a late-night statement, the organization asserted that inaccurate news reports disrupted a planned consultation process with its member associations.
FIFA stated that "nobody is selling football" and that such a move is "not something FIFA would ever entertain." The statement was released following a significant revolt from European nations and CONCACAF, which includes the USA and Canada, against FIFA President Gianni Infantino's proposal to establish the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).
The organization said it respects the feedback and concerns voiced publicly and reaffirmed its commitment to an open and democratic consultation. FIFA plans to proceed with this consultation to ensure all member associations can vote based on factual information.
The FFE proposal aims to generate approximately $4 billion (£3.1 billion) in investment for FIFA tournaments. According to FIFA, the plan is underpinned by principles of "unprecedented development funding, truly global ownership of the commercial opportunities of our sport, and full self-determination through a democratic process for all MAs."
However, the proposal faced immediate opposition. England joined 89 other nations in a boycott of future World Cups after UEFA, representing 54 nations, reached a unanimous agreement against the plans. CONCACAF nations also rejected the proposals, though they stopped short of threatening withdrawal from FIFA competitions. Sources indicated that opposition to Infantino's leadership is growing within CONCACAF, with a majority of its member associations having lost confidence in him.
Infantino would require the backing of 106 member associations to pass the proposal. Currently, 90 FIFA members are publicly opposed, meaning 16 more dissenting votes would prevent the plan from moving forward.