FIFA Stands Firm on Private Investment Plans Amid UEFA Boycott Threats
"No one is selling football," FIFA stated in response to criticism of a plan allowing private investors to acquire stakes in future World Cup tournaments.
The organization emphasized that it never considered such a possibility. All national associations must discuss the initiative in an "open and democratic" consultation.
Gianni Infantino's initiative has sparked a strong backlash in Europe. UEFA threatened to boycott the World Cup, and CONCACAF also unanimously rejected the idea.
FIFA consists of 211 national associations. A simple majority vote is sufficient for decision-making.
"We will continue consultations"
FIFA stated that discussions on the new plan were disrupted due to "inaccurate media reports." The organization promised to continue consultations so that all national associations make decisions based on facts.
Despite this, FIFA seems to have abandoned the creation of a public commercial structure, FIFA Forward Enterprise, unless all its members support the plan.
Without the agreement of all 211 national associations, the organization's commercial activities will remain unchanged, and the new structure will not be created.
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According to initial estimates, the project could generate up to $4.2 billion through the transfer of tournament hosting.
If approved, each association would receive a one-time payment of $20 million at the beginning of 2027.
Private investors would be able to acquire up to 20% of the company's shares but would remain minority owners.
"The World Cup is not for sale"
UEFA stated that none of its teams would participate in FIFA tournaments while this plan remains in effect.
"The World Cup should not be viewed as an investment product. No part of it should ever be handed over to private investors," the statement read.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino called the initiative a "golden opportunity" to accelerate football development worldwide.
However, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin opposed this idea, stating that "the future of football cannot be determined by the expectations of those whose main duty is to maximize financial returns."
Several leading European football federations and EU representatives also opposed the initiative, believing it could lead to further commercialization of the sport and create conflicts of interest.
European Commissioner for Sport Glenn Micallef supported UEFA's position, stating, "I am proud that European football associations set the tone in governance matters and firmly uphold their principles."
"Game over, Gianni"
This was the reaction from Football Supporters Europe after UEFA opposed Gianni Infantino's plan to attract private investors to FIFA tournaments.
On Thursday, UEFA called the World Cup "one of football's greatest legacies" and FIFA's initiative a "failure of leadership" and "management through intimidation."
Now Infantino's financial project may jeopardize his position at the helm of FIFA. Discontent is growing not only among European football structures but also among representatives from other continents.
FIFA is accepting applications for presidential candidates until November 18. Elections will take place in March next year in Rabat.
The next FIFA tournament will be the Women's U-20 World Cup in Poland this September.
Four British football federations remain the only candidates to host the Women's World Cup in 2035. A decision will be announced on November 23.
