FIFA’s plan to sell minority stakes in a new commercial subsidiary has drawn criticism from the FA, UEFA and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham over transparency and football’s governance…reports Asian Lite News Desk
FIFA’s proposal to sell minority stakes in a new commercial subsidiary to private investors has triggered growing opposition from football authorities, with the Football Association (FA), UEFA and UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham questioning the transparency of the plan and warning against the commercialisation of the sport’s governance.
The governing body has proposed creating FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new subsidiary that would consolidate its commercial and event operations. Under the proposal, FIFA would sell minority, non-controlling stakes in the company in a bid to raise up to US$4.2 billion, based on an estimated valuation of US$20 billion.
FIFA said the investment would enable it to expand football development funding to more than US$10 billion and significantly increase financial support for its 211 member associations. Venture capital firm Thrive Eternal, founded by Joshua Kushner, is expected to lead the investment group if the proposal receives the required approvals.
Defending the initiative, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the organisation’s goal was to ensure football’s commercial success benefited every nation rather than only the sport’s wealthiest competitions.
“Parts of the game have turned that popularity into remarkable commercial value – and we celebrate that success and want it to continue, because it lifts the whole game.
“Our job is to make sure the rest of football grows with it: FIFA exists to support sustainable, inclusive development in every corner of the world.”
The proposal has, however, prompted a strong backlash from several leading football bodies.
The Football Association said it had not been consulted before FIFA announced the plan and had received little information about its structure or conditions.
“We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached,” the FA said.
The English governing body also criticised the process behind the proposal.
“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.”
UEFA also rejected the proposal, arguing that football’s governing institutions should not open their commercial operations to private investors.
“This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross,” UEFA said.
“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.”
– Andy Burnham
“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.”
European football’s governing body is expected to discuss a coordinated response with its 55 member associations as opposition to the proposal gathers momentum.
Political criticism has also emerged in the United Kingdom, with Prime Minister Andy Burnham arguing that football’s biggest competitions belong to supporters rather than investors.
Posting on X, Burnham wrote: “Let me say this very directly. 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.”
“The World Cup is not a product. It is the greatest competition in world sport, and it was never anyone’s to sell. Dress the deal up however you like. Once you have sold a piece of it, you have sold out.”
“Football belongs to the fans. It always has, and it always will.”
Despite the criticism, FIFA maintains the proposal would provide unprecedented financial support for football development while allowing the organisation to retain overall control of FFE through the sale of only minority stakes.
If approved, each of FIFA’s 211 member associations would be eligible for an optional US$20 million in immediate funding through a new FIFA Fast Forward Programme for special projects.
FIFA also plans to increase standard Forward funding from the current US$8 million per association to US$20 million during the 2027-2030 cycle. Funding would then rise to US$22 million for 2031-2034 and US$24 million for 2035-2038.
According to FIFA, the additional funding would accelerate investment in football infrastructure, grassroots programmes and player development across every confederation, particularly in emerging football nations.
The proposal must secure the backing of a majority of FIFA’s 211 member associations and receive approval from the 37-member FIFA Council before it can proceed.
With opposition growing among some of football’s most influential stakeholders, the proposal is set to become one of the most closely scrutinised governance decisions facing FIFA in recent years, as member associations weigh the promise of increased funding against concerns over transparency, independence and the future ownership of the game’s commercial assets.
