FIFA has given its 211 member associations until September 19 to decide whether to support a controversial proposal to sell minority stakes in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup and other major tournaments through a new subsidiary.
Gatekeepers News reports that the global football governing body said each member association would receive $40 million if it approves the proposal, which seeks to establish a new commercial entity known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). The subsidiary would oversee the commercial and event operations of competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups, while FIFA retains control over sporting and governance decisions.
According to the proposal, FIFA plans to sell up to 20 percent of the new entity to private investors in a deal that could value the business at $20 billion. The organisation said the move would unlock new commercial opportunities and significantly increase revenue available for football development worldwide.
However, the proposal has sparked strong opposition from several football bodies. UEFA described the World Cup as “not an asset to trade,” while the Asian Football Confederation said it was not consulted before the announcement. Critics have also questioned the transparency of the process and warned that allowing private investors to own a stake in the commercial arm of the World Cup could alter the governance of the game.
FIFA, however, insisted that the sale would involve only commercial interests and would not affect its authority over football matters. The organisation said member associations have until September 19 to approve the plan and benefit from the one-time $40 million payment.
