FIFA’s plans to seek private investment in the World Cup have sparked a major dispute between football’s governing bodies, with UEFA reacting angrily and European countries prepared to discuss a possible boycott.
FIFA declared on Tuesday that it was looking to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would combine the operational delivery of its tournaments with the sale of FIFA’s commercial rights, such as broadcasting, sponsorship, ticketing, and licensing.
Under the new arrangement –
Infantino is seeking to buy the support of the 211 member associations by allowing them to acquire a stake in this new company and benefit financially from the deal.
The World Cup must not become a mere financial asset intended to enrich a few investors or executives. Otherwise, soccer risks losing its identity to an exclusively commercial agenda.
FIFA would raise up to $4.2 billion (£3.1 billion) from outside investors by selling minority, non-controlling stakes in FFE, which it claims would be worth about $20 billion (£15 billion).
Further UEFA statement on FIFA plans: ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/EgQSUob9B5
— UEFA (@UEFA) July 29, 2026
Over $10 billion in “football development funding” could be provided over the next four years, according to the governing body’s plans, which require approval from member associations.
However, the European football governing body, UEFA, makes releases.
