29.7.2026
FIFA president Gianni Infantino is facing heat following his proposal to float FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), geared towards the sale of FIFA’s commercial rights.
Meaning it would no longer control broadcasting, sponsorship, ticketing and licensing of all its tournaments.
Under the proposal, FIFA would raise up to $4.2bn from external investors through the sale of minority, non-controlling stakes in FFE, which it says would be valued at around $20bn.
The governing body says its plans – which need approval from member associations – could deliver more than $10bn in “football development funding” over the next four years.
Infantino told member federations to key in before September and be guaranteed $40m dollars.
But powerful member federations have balked at the idea.
UEFA said in a statement: “This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. UEFA takes it extremely seriously. So should every National Football Association.
“So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game.
“The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell.”
CONCACAF statement: “Concacaf was only made aware of this matter through media reports and, subsequently, via a media release…We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process.
“We share the disappointment of many within our region and the game that this level of detail has been designed and shared publicly before any discussion with the relevant governance bodies and stakeholders has taken place.
“As leaders within football, we are the custodians of the game. Collectively, Fifa, the Confederations and every Member Association have a responsibility to always act in the best interests of the sport. Every decision we make must be guided by good governance, robust processes and long-term stewardship.
“This is the framework within which Concacaf operates. We trust that all within the Fifa family will act in the same manner.”
The AFC echoed these concerns, saying: “The AFC was not consulted on the proposal and is disappointed that a matter of such significance entered the public domain before the AFC family had been afforded the opportunity to examine and discuss it through the appropriate and established governance channels.
“While the AFC recognises the importance of exploring innovative approaches that can strengthen the future of global football, initiatives of this scale and consequence must be founded upon the principles of good governance, transparency and meaningful consultation.
“Decisions that may reshape the commercial and financial future of the game require comprehensive prior engagement with Confederations, Member Associations and other relevant stakeholders before any proposal is made to the appropriate decision-making body(ies).
“The AFC firmly believes that all stakeholders should be provided with sufficient information and adequate time to assess the proposal in full, including its governance, legal, commercial and strategic implications.
“Such a process is essential to ensuring that any decision reflects the collective interests of the global football community and reinforces confidence in Fifa’s governance framework.
In England where football had its origin Prime Minister Andy Burnham chimed in on X: “Football does not belong to investors. It belongs to the people who fill the stands and who stand on the touchline week in, week out, rain or shine.”
On Wednesday morning, an FA spokeswoman added: “We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached.
“Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved.
“When the proposal is shared in the full and transparent way now promised by FIFA, we will make our views clear, and comment further.” With other reports
FIFA president Infantino and his buddy President Donald Trump presenting the World Cup trophy to Spain captain Rodri.