UEFA on Tuesday strongly condemned a FIFA proposal to allow private investors to take minority stakes in a new company managing the World Cup, calling it a dangerous crossing of lines
FIFA president Gianni Infantino unveiled plans for a $20 billion entity called the FIFA Forward Enterprise that would raise up to $4.2 billion from long-term investors, including funds linked to the Kushner family.
The structure would consolidate FIFA’s commercial and event operations while remaining under FIFA ownership, with national associations offered access to up to $20 million in one-off capital.
UEFA issued a sharp response, warning that the plan threatens the fundamental governance of the game
“This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross,” UEFA said in a statement. “UEFA takes it extremely seriously. So should every National Football Association. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game.”
“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.”
FIFA described the initiative as “the democratization of football worldwide.” Infantino is due to seek re-election next year and could potentially move into a commissioner role at the new entity after leaving FIFA.
Any final decision would require approval from FIFA’s 211 member associations. No timetable for debate has been set.
