FIFA has pushed back against mounting criticism over its controversial proposal to invite private investment into a new commercial venture linked to its competitions, insisting that it is not selling football despite strong opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF and several national associations.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ELLAN.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
In a late-night statement issued from its headquarters in Switzerland, the world football governing body blamed what it described as incorrect media reports for disrupting its planned consultation process on the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise.
“Our planned consultation process was disrupted by incorrect media reports,” FIFA said. “We will proceed with this consultation process to ensure that each MA has the ability to express its vote based on facts.”
The organisation did not specify which reports it considered erroneous, but said it had heard the concerns raised by confederations following the initial media reporting on Tuesday.
“We have heard the feedback provided by the respective confederations in relation to the proposed establishment of FIFA Forward Enterprise and would like to address the issues that have surfaced since the initial media reporting on Tuesday,” FIFA said.
“We respect the feedback and concern aired in public and reaffirm our commitment to an open and democratic consultation.”
FIFA also rejected claims that the proposal amounted to selling the World Cup or football itself.
“Nobody is selling football. This is not something FIFA would ever entertain,” the statement added.
The controversial proposal reportedly involves spinning off FIFA’s commercial operations into a new subsidiary known as FIFA Forward Enterprise, valued at about $20 billion, with private investors expected to hold about 20 per cent.
The plan is said to be aimed at generating about $4 billion in investment for FIFA tournaments and expanding development funding to member associations.
The core investor is reportedly expected to be a New York investment firm created by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, who is married to US President Donald Trump’s daughter.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino had reportedly written to all 211 FIFA member associations, promising that if they approve the proposal, their basic development funding for the next four years would double from $10 million to $20 million.
He also projected that FIFA funding through 2038 could rise to about $86 million for each member association, instead of about $36 million.
However, the proposal has triggered intense backlash, with UEFA and its 55 member nations unanimously rejecting the plan after an urgent online meeting.
UEFA warned that European nations would not participate in FIFA competitions if the proposal proceeds.
“Some things are simply too important to sell,” UEFA said. “The FIFA World Cup belongs to football. It always will. And so long as Europe has a voice, it will never be for sale.”
UEFA described the proposal as “a profound failure of leadership” and “an abdication of FIFA’s duty as the custodian of world football.”
The next FIFA competition scheduled to take place in Europe is the Women’s Under-20 World Cup, which Poland is due to host from September 5.
CONCACAF, comprising 35 FIFA-registered nations from North America, Central America and the Caribbean, also rejected the proposal, although it stopped short of threatening to withdraw from FIFA competitions.
Reports suggest opposition to Infantino’s leadership is growing within CONCACAF, with several member associations said to have lost confidence in his presidency.
To pass the proposal, Infantino would need support from at least 106 member associations. With about 90 FIFA members now publicly opposed, a further 16 opposing votes would be enough to block the plan.
Despite the backlash, FIFA said it still intends to proceed with consultations and eventually put the proposal to a vote.
In its statement, FIFA said the principles behind the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise include “unprecedented development funding, truly global ownership of the commercial opportunities of our sport, and full self-determination through a democratic process for all MAs.”
The controversy has placed renewed pressure on Infantino, who has led FIFA since 2016 after previously serving as UEFA’s general secretary.
Reports also claimed that some officials believe Infantino may be considering a future commissioner-like role in the proposed commercial spin-off after 2031, although FIFA has not confirmed such plans.
FIFA has set a November 18 deadline for potential candidates to declare interest in its presidential election, which is scheduled to hold in March in Rabat, Morocco.
The dispute now sets up a major governance battle within world football, with FIFA defending the proposal as a development funding opportunity while critics insist that private investment in the World Cup’s commercial structure would compromise the soul, ownership and integrity of the global game.
“Order Justice Omolaye-Ajileye’s Electronic Evidence Books Now” — Essential Guides On Evidence Act, Case Law And Digital Proof
[A MUST HAVE] Evidence Act Demystified With Recent And Contemporary Cases And Materials
Available now for NGN 40,000 at ASC Publications, 10, Boyle Street, Onikan, Lagos. Beside High Court, TBS. Email publications@ayindesanni.com or WhatsApp +2347056667384. Purchase Link: https://paystack.com/buy/evidence-act-complete-annotation
______________________________________________________________________ “Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
