Uefa calls emergency meeting over Fifa’s World Cup investment plan
European opposition to Fifa’s plan hardens
Uefa has called an emergency meeting for Thursday afternoon with its 55 members to discuss a unified response to Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. Among the options under consideration is a potential European boycott of Fifa tournaments.
Preliminary discussions have mentioned a boycott of next year’s Women’s World Cup, which is the next major event on the Fifa calendar. However, some stakeholders are reportedly reluctant to impact the women’s game with a protest primarily focused on the commercialisation of the men’s World Cup and Club World Cup.
Uefa’s initial criticism of Fifa’s plan has garnered significant support from Concacaf, the confederation for North, Central American, and Caribbean football, and the Asian Football Confederation (AFC). If their member associations align with these positions, there could be enough votes to block the proposal.
These three confederations collectively represent 143 of the 211 Fifa members. However, a unanimous stance is not guaranteed, as demonstrated by Czechia’s football association, which was the first in Europe to endorse the plan.
Infantino, who has received over 200 letters of endorsement for his re-election next year, reportedly believes he has sufficient votes. It remains unclear whether the proposal requires a simple majority for approval. Several sources indicate that establishing a new commercial entity, Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE), and selling a 20% stake to investors would necessitate a change in Fifa statutes, which typically requires a 75% majority.
On Wednesday evening, Infantino released a video addressing the criticism, stating that FFE is a proposal and an opportunity, not an obligation, and part of a democratic and consultation process. He described it as a “golden opportunity to turbocharge the development of the game globally.”
Concerns over transparency and governance
Earlier, Uefa intensified its criticism of Fifa, accusing the global governing body of “using our sport to enrich themselves and their friends.” This accusation followed reports that Infantino had set a deadline of 19 September for members to decide on applying for an initial payment of $20m from the proposed sell-off. A further $20m for each association would also be made available later, though it is not clear if accepting the funds would imply formal endorsement.
Uefa’s statement highlighted that Fifa’s deadline for associations to support the proposals, or risk the one-off payout offer being withdrawn, speaks volumes about the plan. The organisation asserted that discussions with numerous stakeholders across the game reveal significant and growing opposition to Fifa’s scheme. Uefa emphasised the need to prioritise associations, clubs, leagues, players, and fans, stating that the sport can be grown correctly without Fifa enriching itself and its associates.
This second condemnation from Uefa followed a strong intervention from Concacaf. This is particularly notable given that Concacaf recently hosted a lucrative World Cup and covers the region from which the proposed new investment, from New York-based Thrive Eternal, originates.
Victor Montagliani, the president of Concacaf, played a key role in the successful bid by the US, Mexican, and Canadian teams for the tournament. However, he and the other seven Fifa vice-presidents and Fifa council members were reportedly not informed about the plans.
Concacaf stated it became aware of the matter through media reports and a subsequent media release, expressing deep concern over the lack of due process. The confederation shared the disappointment of many within its region and the sport that such detailed plans were designed and shared publicly before any discussions with relevant governance bodies and stakeholders.
The organisation stressed that as leaders in football, they are custodians of the game, and Fifa, confederations, and member associations have a responsibility to act in the sport’s best interests. Decisions must be guided by good governance, robust processes, and long-term stewardship. Concacaf operates within this framework and trusts that all within the Fifa family will do the same.
The AFC issued a similar statement of disapproval, which is understood to have the backing of the Saudi Arabian football federation, a close ally of Infantino and host of the 2034 World Cup. The AFC was not consulted on the proposal and expressed disappointment that a matter of such significance entered the public domain before its family had the opportunity to examine and discuss it through established governance channels.
While the AFC acknowledges the importance of exploring innovative approaches to strengthen global football, it insists that initiatives of this scale require principles of good governance, transparency, and meaningful consultation. Decisions that could reshape the game’s commercial and financial future necessitate comprehensive prior engagement with confederations, member associations, and other relevant stakeholders before any proposal is made to decision-making bodies.
Elite clubs have also voiced dissatisfaction, with the European Football Clubs organisation noting that Fifa did not consult it, despite a memorandum of understanding between the two bodies. The organisation, representing over 850 football clubs, stated that it would be appropriate to be fully consulted on a proposal of such magnitude, given its members’ fundamental participation in football worldwide, including Fifa’s competitions. The European Football Clubs organisation learned about the proposal without warning, through the media, similar to most global football stakeholders.
Fifa’s plan aims to raise an estimated $4.2 billion in 2026 by selling a reported 20% minority stake in a new subsidiary, Fifa Forward Enterprise, at an equity valuation of $20 billion. Fifa confirmed these plans on Tuesday morning, stating the new company would control the non-profit organisation’s commercial and event operations. Fifa would remain the primary owner and maintain control over scheduling, governance, and regulatory decisions.
Thrive Eternal, a fund created by Josh Kushner’s Thrive Capital, which previously acquired a minority stake in the San Francisco Giants, is set to lead the investor group. Fifa is being advised by bankers from JPMorgan. The new plan requires approval from a majority of Fifa’s member associations.
UEFA’s emergency meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, as reported by Agence France-Presse, citing a statement from French sports minister Marina Ferrari. Ferrari emphasised the importance of European stakeholders speaking with a single voice when faced with a project that could profoundly transform the sport. Tensions between Uefa and Fifa have been high recently, with Uefa president Aleksander Ceferin boycotting the World Cup final over various issues, including Fifa’s decision to suspend US striker Folarin Balogun’s red card earlier in the tournament.
The Football Association, England’s governing body, also stated it was “completely unaware of this proposal” and lacked substantive details, expressing deep concern about the lack of information and transparency. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham also criticised the proposed deal, asserting that football belongs to the fans, not investors, and the World Cup is not a “product.”
Fifa reported $15 billion in revenue from the 2026 World Cup, a significant increase compared to the estimated $7.57 billion from the 2022 World Cup cycle. Infantino had previously promised to “unleash the commercial potential and opportunity that FIFA has,” a statement the non-profit has repeatedly referenced in announcing the plans for the new venture.
Sources told The Times that Infantino could potentially serve as a “commissioner” or chief executive of the new company after his final term, though the Fifa president later told the paper that the idea “has never been discussed.” Fifa’s own statement did not elaborate on Infantino’s future role in the company. Fifa reportedly consulted with the Trump administration on the plans, according to two sources.
The AFC’s statement of disapproval is understood to have the backing of the Saudi Arabian football federation.
Source: theguardian.com
