A major power struggle has erupted in world football after FIFA’s controversial plan to sell minority commercial stakes in the FIFA World Cup and other flagship competitions triggered fierce opposition from UEFA, England’s Football Association and political leaders across Europe.
The dispute intensified after FIFA President Gianni Infantino unveiled plans to establish a new commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would oversee the governing body’s commercial and event operations. FIFA intends to raise about $4.2 billion by selling minority, non-controlling interests in the company, valuing the venture at approximately $20 billion.
As part of the proposal, FIFA has promised unprecedented financial incentives to its 211 member associations. In a letter seen by The Times, Infantino said each association could access up to $40 million in funding if they support the plan, with member federations given until September 19 to decide whether to participate.
“Should you wish to proceed, this $10 billion package will become available as of January 1, 2027, ushering in the next phase of our journey together,” Infantino wrote.
He added that associations rejecting the proposal would instead receive the already planned expansion of FIFA’s Forward Programme worth $2.7 billion, while those backing the initiative could access significantly larger funding packages over the next commercial cycle.
The financial offer has immediately sparked controversy, with critics quoted by The Times describing the proposal as “pure bribery” aimed at securing support for FIFA’s commercial restructuring.
Opposition has been strongest from UEFA, which is reportedly considering a boycott of future FIFA World Cups if the plan proceeds. According to ESPN, UEFA is seeking an emergency meeting of its 55 member associations to coordinate a response, including the possibility of refusing to participate in future tournaments.
European football’s governing body has condemned the proposal, insisting that football’s governance and heritage are “not assets to trade” and warning that opening the World Cup to private investors could undermine the integrity of the global game.
The Football Association has also publicly distanced itself from FIFA’s proposal, saying it was never consulted before the announcement.
“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 in a statement.
“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.”
Political opposition has also mounted, with senior European leaders questioning the commercial direction of world football.
European Union sports commissioner Glenn Micallef issued a blunt warning to FIFA, declaring: “Hands off our game.”
Meanwhile, UK political figure Andy Burnham echoed those concerns, arguing that football belongs to supporters rather than investors.
“Football does not belong to investors. The World Cup is not a product. It is the greatest competition in world sport, and it was never anyone’s to sell,” Burnham said.
The Football Supporters’ Association has also thrown its weight behind UEFA’s position, describing FIFA’s proposal as another attempt to reshape football for short-term commercial gain while pledging to oppose any move that threatens the future governance of the sport.
Despite the backlash, FIFA insists the restructuring will benefit football globally by dramatically increasing investment in infrastructure, grassroots football, women’s football, coaching and national team development.
According to FIFA, the new FIFA Forward Enterprise will remain fully controlled by the governing body, which will retain exclusive authority over football governance, competition formats, regulations and the international match calendar, while only minority, non-controlling stakes would be sold to carefully selected long-term investors.
The proposal, however, has widened the growing rift between FIFA and UEFA over the future ownership, governance and commercial direction of world football, setting the stage for one of the biggest institutional battles the sport has witnessed in recent years.
