Opposition Grows to FIFA’s $20 Billion World Cup Sell-Off Plan
Pushback against a controversial initiative proposed by FIFA President Gianni Infantino to sell stakes in the World Cup and other commercial operations to private investors is intensifying. The European soccer governing body, UEFA, has convened an emergency meeting of its members to formulate a coordinated response, including the possibility of a boycott of FIFA tournaments.
UEFA’s Strong Condemnation
UEFA has publicly denounced Infantino’s proposal, labeling it a plan to “sell the soul” of football. Other significant regional soccer organizations, such as the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and Concacaf, which encompasses North and Central America along with Caribbean confederations, have also expressed their disapproval. They stated that they were not consulted about the plan and only learned of it through media reports.
The FIFA Forward Enterprise
The proposed initiative involves the establishment of a new entity named FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). This entity would consolidate all revenue-generating activities linked to the World Cup, including broadcast rights, sponsorship deals, ticket sales, and licensing fees. FIFA plans to sell a substantial stake in this new operation to private investors. Thrive Capital, an investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner, is leading the search for potential investors.
FIFA has estimated the value of the FFE at approximately $20 billion, asserting that selling equity stakes in this commercial group could generate an additional $10 billion for its member organizations. Approval from the 211 national soccer associations that comprise FIFA is required for the proposal to move forward.
Divided Opinions Among Confederations
The opposition from UEFA, Concacaf, and the AFC indicates that Infantino may face significant resistance. Collectively, these three confederations represent 143 of FIFA’s 211 members. However, dissent regarding the FFE is not uniform. The Czech soccer association has expressed support for the plan. Additionally, despite the AFC’s objections, Saudi Arabia, which is set to host the 2034 World Cup, is believed to be in favor of the proposal and maintains a close relationship with Infantino.
It remains unclear whether the FIFA plan can be approved by a simple majority vote or if it requires a change to FIFA statutes, which would necessitate a 75 percent majority.
Infantino’s Vision for the Future
In a video released on Wednesday evening, Infantino described the FFE as “a proposal, an offer” that would undergo a democratic and consultative process. He emphasized that it represents “an opportunity but not an obligation,” framing it as a “golden opportunity to turbocharge the development of the game globally.”
FIFA has set a deadline of September 19 for its members to decide whether to apply for an initial payment of $20 million from the proposed sell-off.
UEFA’s Criticism of the Proposal
UEFA has criticized the $20 million payout, stating that it “says everything you need to know about this plan” and accusing FIFA of using the sport to enrich themselves and their associates. Concacaf and the AFC have voiced concerns regarding the lack of due process, with Concacaf noting that it was only informed of the matter through media reports.
The AFC echoed these sentiments, expressing disappointment that such a significant issue was made public before it could be discussed through proper governance channels. They acknowledged the need for innovative approaches to strengthen global football but insisted that initiatives of this magnitude must adhere to principles of good governance, transparency, and meaningful consultation.
Backlash from Elite Clubs
FIFA may also encounter backlash from elite football clubs. The European Football Clubs organization, representing over 850 clubs, has stated that it was not consulted regarding the FFE plan. They indicated that they learned about the proposal similarly to other global football stakeholders—through media reports.
UEFA is contemplating a vote to boycott upcoming FIFA tournaments, including the Women’s World Cup scheduled for next year in Brazil. However, such a decision is viewed as an extreme measure that could unjustly penalize the women’s game, given that the proposal primarily targets monetizing the men’s World Cup and men’s Club World Cup.
As reported by www.hollywoodreporter.com.
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Published on 2026-07-30 13:29:00 • By FAME Delivered News Desk