FIFA has rejected claims that it is trying to sell football after facing strong criticism over plans to allow private investors to buy stakes in a new commercial entity linked to the World Cup.
The global football governing body said it understands the concerns raised by football organisations but insisted that it will continue with a consultation process before any final decision is made.
The controversy centres on plans to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise, known as FFE, which would be connected to the commercial side of football and the World Cup.
FIFA Says It Is Not Selling Football
FIFA came under pressure after reports emerged that it was considering allowing private investors to take a minority stake in the new commercial venture.
The reports led to strong opposition from UEFA, the governing body of European football.
However, FIFA has now sought to clarify its position, insisting that the proposed plan does not mean the organisation is selling football.
In a statement released on Friday morning, FIFA said:
“We have heard the feedback provided by the respective confederations in relation to the proposed establishment of FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) and would like to address the issues that have surfaced since the initial media reporting on Tuesday.
“We respect the feedback and concern aired in public and reaffirm our commitment to an open and democratic consultation.
”Our planned consultation process was disrupted by incorrect media reports. We will proceed with this consultation process to ensure that each MA has the ability to express its vote based on facts.”
The statement continued:
“FFE has been proposed solely to ensure that all FIFA Member Associations (MAs) have the opportunity to take meaningful ownership of the commercial opportunity of football in their respective countries, and that this does not come at the cost of either the spirit or the governance of FIFA or football itself.
“Nobody is selling football. This is not something FIFA would ever entertain.”
UEFA Strongly Opposes the Proposal
The proposed commercial venture has created tension between FIFA and UEFA, with European football officials reacting strongly to the plans.
The controversy first became public after reports by The Times and the Financial Times revealed details about the proposed creation of FIFA Forward Enterprise.
UEFA reacted angrily to the reports and raised concerns about FIFA’s plans.
The situation escalated less than two days later when UEFA’s 55 member associations reportedly said they would not take part in any FIFA tournament unless the plan was withdrawn.
The position represents a major challenge to FIFA as it attempts to move forward with the consultation process.
FIFA Refuses to Withdraw the Plan
Despite the growing criticism, FIFA has not abandoned its proposal.
Instead, the organisation said it would continue with its consultation process, allowing its member associations to consider the plan and express their views.
FIFA argued that the consultation had been affected by what it described as inaccurate media reports.
The organisation now wants its member associations to make decisions based on what it considers to be the full facts surrounding the proposal.
The decision means the controversial plan remains under consideration despite opposition from major football bodies.
CONCACAF Also Rejects the Proposal
UEFA is not the only confederation to oppose FIFA’s plans.
CONCACAF, the organisation responsible for football across North and Central America and the Caribbean, also publicly rejected the proposal.
The confederation, which represents 41 nations, made its position clear by saying it “rejected the proposal”.
The opposition from both UEFA and CONCACAF adds further pressure on FIFA to reconsider how it intends to develop the proposed commercial venture.
Gianni Infantino Supports the Plan
FIFA president Gianni Infantino has publicly backed the proposed plan.
An investor group led by Thrive Eternal is reportedly waiting to secure a minority stake in the new venture if the proposal moves forward.
Thrive Eternal was founded by Joshua Kushner, who is the brother of Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of United States President Donald Trump.
The involvement of private investors has become one of the main points of concern surrounding the proposal.
Critics fear that allowing outside investors to take a stake in a commercial entity connected to FIFA could have wider implications for the governance and commercial structure of the sport.
FIFA, however, insists that the proposal is designed to give its member associations greater opportunities to benefit from the commercial side of football.
Consultation Process to Continue
For now, FIFA appears determined to continue discussing the proposal despite the opposition.
The governing body has said that the consultation process will allow its member associations to consider the plan and vote based on the information provided.
The dispute has highlighted growing differences between FIFA and some of the world’s major football confederations.
While FIFA insists that nobody is selling football, UEFA and CONCACAF have made it clear that they are unhappy with the proposed structure of FIFA Forward Enterprise.
The coming weeks could therefore be important as FIFA seeks to convince its member associations of the benefits of the plan while facing pressure from confederations that want the proposal withdrawn.
