FIFA’s ‘sell the World Cup’ controversial plan triggers global backlash including UEFA

FIFA and its president Gianni Infantino has been under fire after presenting a controversial plan to sell off part of FIFA to private investors with a $40 million incentive to accept.

As reported by the Financial Times, the disputable plan is based on building a new commercial entity known as FIFA Forward Enterprise aimed to raise billions of pounds.

Infantino has also sent a letter, widely circulating on social media platforms, to all federation presidents offering £30million per country and giving them until September 19 to support his commercial company project or privatisation of revenues, specifically from the World Cup.

As per letter, “The decision on whether or not to proceed with this proposal belongs entirely to you.”

“Should you wish to proceed, this $10b package will become available as of January 1, 2027, ushering in the next phase of our journey together.”

“Should you wish to retain the status quo and reject this proposal, we still have our planned expansion of the Forward programme [development money] of $2.7b as previously presented.”

“In total for the upcoming cycle starting as of January 1, 2027 each member association will have the possibility of access up to $40m per member association under this proposal.”

The funds would triple development money for 211 member associations, delivering $20 million every four years starting 2027 for grassroots projects in overlooked areas

Speaking about the implementation of the FIFA Forward Enterprise, the letter revealed that it is entirely conditional and based on two following steps.

The support by way of participation of the majority (exceeding 50 percent) of FIFA Member Association in the process by the deadline stipulated.

The express approval by the FIFA council to enact requisite adjustments to the Forward Programme.

The controversy drew widespread backlash including threats of boycotting the World Cup from UEFA. To address this, UEFA also planned an emergency meeting this week while condemning the secrecy and idea of trading football's soul.

“This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. 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….None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell,” UEFA said in a statement.

England's FA raised concerns over process and timing ahead of Infantino's 2027 re-election bid. “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,” FA said in a statement.

“When the proposal is shared in the full and transparent way now promised by FIFA, we will make our views clear, and comment further.”

The UK prime minister also criticized the decision saying “Football does not belong to any investor.”

CONCACAF also slammed the decision and shared regional disappointment that sensitive details were publicized before any consultation with relevant stakeholders and governance bodies.