FIFA Faces Backlash Over Plan to Sell World Cup Stake

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Federation of International Football Association (FIFA) is facing mounting global backlash after unveiling plans to sell a stake in the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup.

The controversy centres on the global football body’s proposal to create a new commercial entity, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), and sell a 20 per cent stake to private investors. The body has reportedly valued the new company at $20 billion, with plans to raise up to $4.2 billion to fund football development programmes worldwide.

Under the proposal, FIFA’s 211 member associations have been given until September 19 to decide whether to accept an initial payment of $20 million from the proceeds of the sale.

However, the move has triggered outrage across football’s governing bodies, with several federations insisting they were neither consulted nor informed before the proposal became public.

In strongly worded statements, the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) as well as the English Football Association (FA) have described the move as a lack of transparency and governance.

On its part, the English FA said it had not received any substantive details about the plan and questioned the governance process that led to the proposal.

“We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached,” the FA 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.”

The statement marks one of the strongest public criticisms of FIFA under president Gianni Infantino from the English governing body, whose chair, Ms Debbie Hewitt, also serves as one of FIFA’s vice-presidents.

Despite regularly attending FIFA meetings and World Cup events, Hewitt is understood to have been excluded from discussions surrounding the proposed transaction.

The FA’s intervention follows similar criticism from UEFA, with European football authorities reportedly coordinating opposition to the plan.

According to reports, European football leaders are considering a range of responses, including the possibility of boycotting FIFA competitions or pursuing a breakaway if concerns over governance are not addressed.

In a new statement on Wednesday, UEFA wrote that, “FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends. We can grow the game correctly. It’s time to prioritise associations, clubs, leagues, players, and fans.”

CONCACAF, whose member nations jointly hosted the record-breaking 2026 FIFA World Cup, also expressed disappointment, saying it first learned of the proposal through media reports rather than internal consultations.

“CONCACAF was only made aware of this matter through media reports and, subsequently, via a media release,” the confederation said.

“We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process.”

The regional body added that decisions of such significance should follow proper governance procedures and extensive consultation with football stakeholders.

As of press time, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has not disclosed anything regarding the development.

The growing opposition has intensified scrutiny of FIFA’s relationship with US investment bank JPMorgan, which is reportedly advising on the establishment of FIFA Forward Enterprise.

The commercial vehicle would package portions of FIFA’s revenue-generating assets, including World Cup-related commercial rights, allowing outside investors to acquire an ownership stake.

Supporters argue the transaction could unlock billions of Dollars for grassroots football development, infrastructure and investment across member associations.

Critics, however, warn that bringing private investors into the commercial ownership of football’s flagship tournament could prioritise financial returns over the long-term interests of the global game.

With opposition now emerging from multiple confederations and national associations, pressure is mounting on FIFA to provide full details of the proposal before member nations decide whether to endorse one of the most significant commercial restructurings in the organisation’s history.