FIFA president Gianni Infantino has offered member associations up to $40 million each if they back his plan to sell minority stakes of the World Cup
In a five-page letter to all 211 member associations seen by the BBC on Wednesday, Infantino said those approving the proposal by September 19 would receive an initial $20 million from January 1, 2027, with a further $20 million to follow.
The scheme would create a commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, to manage the men’s and women’s World Cups and the Club World Cup, allowing external investors to take minority stakes. Infantino said the initiative could generate up to $10 billion for football development worldwide.
“It is my duty and responsibility as FIFA president to present such game-changing opportunities to you, our members,” Infantino wrote. “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.”
FIFA said the initial funding would come from liquidating a minority portion of its stake in the new entity.
The proposal has drawn strong criticism. The Football Association said it had not been consulted and expressed deep concern over the lack of transparency and governance.
“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 said. “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.”
UEFA’s 55 member associations are due to hold an emergency meeting later this week to discuss the plan.
