FIFA has defended its proposal to introduce private investment into the commercial side of the World Cup, insisting that the move does not amount to selling football. The world football governing body made the clarification on Friday amid growing opposition from UEFA and other continental confederations over the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).
The planned commercial subsidiary would oversee the World Cup and other major FIFA tournaments while opening the door to private investment. FIFA said it remained committed to consultations with its 211 member associations despite the mounting criticism.
“We have heard the feedback provided by the respective confederations,” FIFA said in a statement.
The organisation said it respected the concerns raised publicly and would maintain what it described as an open and democratic consultation process. According to FIFA, every member association must be given the opportunity to consider the proposal and vote based on the available facts.
Responding directly to criticism that the proposal could commercialise or compromise football, FIFA rejected the suggestion. “Nobody is selling football. This is not something FIFA would ever entertain,” the governing body said.
FIFA explained that the FFE was conceived to enable all 211 member associations to benefit from the growing commercial value of football.
It said the initiative would not undermine FIFA’s governance structure or the fundamental principles of the sport. The organisation also dismissed claims that the proposal had already been approved. FIFA said the project would only proceed if it received majority support from its member associations.
“Each Member Association should be allowed to review the proposal and have a say in shaping their own future,” it said.
FIFA’s statement came less than a day after UEFA’s 55 member associations unanimously backed a potential boycott of FIFA competitions. The European governing body said its members could withdraw from FIFA competitions if the organisation proceeds with plans to sell a minority stake in its proposed commercial arm to private investors.
The opposition has also spread beyond Europe. CONCACAF has rejected the proposal, while the Asian Football Confederation criticised FIFA over what it considered inadequate consultation with continental football authorities.
The controversy followed FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s proposal to establish the FIFA Forward Enterprise. American investment firm Thrive Eternal is reportedly expected to lead a consortium seeking a minority stake in the proposed venture.
FIFA, however, continues to argue that the initiative could unlock unprecedented development funding for its member associations. The governing body maintains that no final decision has been taken and that consultations with member associations remain ongoing.
