FIFA President Offers $40 Million Cash Injections to Members Supporting Plan to Sell Stakes in World Cup

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has given football federations a September 19th deadline to back his controversial proposal to sell off minority stakes in FIFA's flagship competitions, and is offering a lucrative incentive of up to $40 million (£30 million) for member associations that sign on.

The proposal centers on creating a new commercial entity known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). This subsidiary would oversee the commercial operations, including broadcasting rights, sponsorships, ticketing, and licensing, and event execution for major tournaments like the men's and women's World Cups as well as the Club World Cup. By liquidating a minority stake of over 20 percent to private equity investors, FIFA aims to value the new enterprise at approximately $20 billion and raise billions in external capital.

Infantino outlined the financial structure in a five-page letter sent to FIFA's 211 member associations. Under the proposed terms, approving member federations can access an initial $20 million starting January 1st, 2027, with the total package reaching up to $40 million per association over the upcoming cycle. By contrast, Infantino warned that associations rejecting the shift or failing to reach a majority vote would remain tied to the current Forward Programme, receiving significantly less funding, which is around $10 million over the next cycle.

In defense of the move, Infantino framed the strategy as a necessary step toward expanding global development funding.

"It is my duty and responsibility as Fifa president to present such game-changing opportunities to you, our members," written in Infantino's letter. "It is equally my duty and responsibility to ensure such proposals are sufficiently complete and feasible, replete with substantiated figures and clear terms to assist you in the decision-making process."

Infantino went on to say:

"This entity will be fully focused on one target objective; generating as much value as possible for FIFA's Member Associations."

According to official statements, FIFA would retain total governance and regulatory authority over competitions and the international match calendar. Wall Street firm J.P. Morgan is advising on the venture, with Thrive Capital, which is headed by Joshua Kushner, expected to lead the investor syndicate.

The plan caused an immediate shockwave throughout the sport, drawing strong condemnation from regional confederations, national governing bodies, and league officials who claim they were excluded from the decision-making process.

UEFA, European football's governing body, released a scathing response declaring that the plan "crossed a line".

"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."

UEFA is calling emergency meetings among its 55 members, with reports suggesting that a potential boycott of FIFA competitions could be put on the table.

In the UK, the English Football Association expressed alarm over governance failures surrounding the secret negotiations:

"We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is and what conditions are attached," an FA spokeswoman stated. "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."

Concacaf voiced similar outrage over being left out of preliminary discussions:

"We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process," Concacaf said. "We share the disappointment of many within our region and the game that this level of detail has been designed and shared publicly before any discussion with the relevant governance bodies and stakeholders has taken place. As leaders within football, we are the custodians of the game. Collectively, Fifa, the confederations and every member association have a responsibility to always act in the best interests of the sport."

Critics elsewhere were equally sharp. La Liga President Javier Tebas accused Infantino of leveraging development funds to secure votes ahead of the upcoming FIFA presidential election, stating that "Infantino is not the solution to Fifa's governance. He is the problem." Hans-Joachim Watzke, vice-president of the German Football Association (DFB), called the plan an "absolute attack on football." Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter also weighed in, writing online that "No-one has the right to sell our game."

Despite heavy opposition across Europe and the Americas, some smaller associations see potential benefits. Czech Republic FA President David Trunda remarked that he could "see the pragmatic benefits for Czech football".

Approval of the commercial venture requires endorsement from a majority of FIFA's member associations and its ruling council ahead of the September 19th deadline.