The Confederation of African Football will review FIFA’s proposal to sell minority stakes in a new commercial entity amid growing international criticism of the initiative.
CAF said Wednesday it had received correspondence from FIFA about the FIFA Forward Enterprise plan as part of an ongoing consultation with member associations and the FIFA Council. President Patrice Motsepe will convene a CAF Executive Committee meeting next week to assess the proposal.
“The Confederation Africaine de Football (‘CAF’) received correspondence today from FIFA on the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise initiative, in accordance with the consultation process that is currently underway with FIFA Member Associations and the FIFA Council,” the body stated
CAF encouraged its member associations to study the plan and take part in the consultation process. The initiative aims to raise around $4.2 billion through the sale of non-controlling interests, with the goal of boosting global football development funding beyond $10 billion.
Concerns have been raised that the structure could eventually involve commercial rights linked to major tournaments including the World Cup. Some potential investors linked to the plan have political connections to US President Donald Trump, though Trump himself has not been identified as an investor.
Concacaf earlier criticised FIFA for insufficient consultation, saying it only learned of the details through media reports. “We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process,” the North and Central American confederation said.
UEFA was more forceful, warning: “This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade… None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell.”
CAF said it remained committed to working with FIFA and other stakeholders to increase resources for football development in Africa and worldwide.
