FIFA has issued a sharp rebuke to media outlets, asserting that "erroneous reporting" disrupted its consultation process for a controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. The organization stated that it is not "selling football" and "would never entertain" such a proposition.
The statement comes after significant backlash, including a reported boycott of future World Cups by European nations and rejection of the proposal by CONCACAF, which includes the United States and Canada. FIFA acknowledged "the feedback and concern aired in public" and reaffirmed its commitment to an "open and democratic consultation."
According to FIFA, the planned consultation process for the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) was disrupted by inaccurate media reports. The organization intends to proceed with consultations to ensure all member associations can vote based on factual information. FIFA outlined "principles" underpinning the FFE proposal, including "unprecedented development funding, truly global ownership of the commercial opportunities of our sport, and full self-determination through a democratic process for all MAs."
The proposal, revealed Tuesday, involves spinning off FIFA's commercial operations into a new $20 billion subsidiary, FFE, with 20% ownership by private investors. The core investor identified is a New York investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, former advisor to U.S. President Donald Trump.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino had written to the 211 member associations, which are FIFA's owners under Swiss law, suggesting that approval of FFE would double their promised basic funding for the next four years from $10 million to $20 million. Projected funding through 2038 could reach $86 million per member, an increase from approximately $36 million.
UEFA, the European soccer governing body, had stated that its 55 member nations "will not participate in FIFA competitions" following an urgent online meeting. UEFA described the World Cup as belonging "to football" and declared it "will never be for sale."
Reports indicate that opposition to Infantino's leadership is growing within CONCACAF. To pass the FFE proposal, Infantino requires the backing of 106 member associations. Currently, approximately 90 FIFA members are publicly opposed to the plans, with 16 more needed to block the proposal.
Infantino's financial strategy, including a deadline of mid-September for accepting the offer of $20 million per member, is reportedly threatening his 11-year presidency. The next FIFA presidential vote is scheduled for March in Rabat, Morocco, with a November 18 deadline for candidates to declare. Some officials have privately suggested Infantino may be seeking a role within the FFE subsidiary beyond 2031.