Fifa pushes investment plan despite Uefa World Cup boycott threat
Fifa is pressing ahead with a plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors despite a threatened boycott from European football's governing body, setting up a major power struggle over the sport's financial future.
Fifa will push ahead with a controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, rejecting a threatened boycott from European football’s governing body.
The proposal centres on creating a new commercial subsidiary, Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE). Through this vehicle, Fifa aims to invite external investors to buy minority, non-controlling stakes in its premier tournaments. If approved, the American venture capital firm Thrive Eternal, founded by Joshua Kushner, is expected to lead the investor group.
The financial incentives for national federations are substantial. Fifa president Gianni Infantino has offered member associations $40m if they back the proposal by a 19 September deadline, with an initial $20m available for early adopters.
Uefa has responded with fierce opposition. On Thursday, European football's governing body voted to boycott future World Cups if the plan proceeds. "The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product," Uefa stated, accusing Fifa of using the sport "to enrich themselves and their friends".
Uefa’s stance is not isolated. Concacaf, which governs football in North and Central America, said its 41 member associations also rejected the proposal. The Asian Football Confederation called Fifa's unilateral actions "unacceptable". Together, Uefa and Concacaf account for 96 of the 106 votes Infantino needs to pass the measure.
Concacaf specifically criticised the "artificially short deadline" and questioned the logic of seeking private capital after what Fifa itself described as the most profitable World Cup in history. The African and Oceanic confederations will discuss the plans in August, while South America's Conmebol has remained silent.
In a statement on Friday, Fifa pushed back against the growing backlash. "Nobody is selling football. This is not something Fifa would ever entertain," the organisation said, blaming "incorrect media reports" for disrupting its consultation process.
Despite the corporate framing, the debate has struck a nerve within the sport. "Football has to be for the people, not in private hands," said Chelsea manager Xabi Alonso. "We want something that we keep in the hands of everyone, that it's for all the people."
