FIFA president Gianni Infantino has warned England and other nations that they only have 53 days to sign up to his World Cup sell-off plan or risk receiving a reduced funding package. Infantino is spearheading a plan to sell stakes in the World Cup by setting up a new company called FIFA Forward Enterprise, which would oversee commercial rights for every tournament.
Details of the proposal
FIFA’s 211 member associations, including the English Football Association, have been promised windfalls of up to $40 million (£30.1m) each if they agree to the proposal by the September 19 deadline. In a letter sent to FIFA’s member associations, Infantino vowed that a $10 billion (£7.5bn) funding package would be available if the plan is approved, but that figure would drop to $2.7bn (£2bn) if it is rejected.
‘It is my duty and responsibility as FIFA president to present such game-changing opportunities to you, our members,’ Infantino wrote in the letter. ‘Should you wish to proceed this $10 billion 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 $2.7 billion as previously presented.’
UEFA and FA react
UEFA is now planning an emergency meeting with its 55 member associations this week to discuss the proposal. In its initial statement, UEFA heavily criticised FIFA’s plan to sell off parts of the World Cup. ‘This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross,’ UEFA’s statement said. ‘None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell.’
The Football Association says it is ‘deeply concerned’ by Infantino’s 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’s statement read. ‘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.’
Concerns over private investment
FIFA aims to raise a further $4.2 billion through private investment. Although investors would have only a minority stake in FIFA Forward Enterprise, critics worry they could pressure FIFA into expanding the World Cup or hosting it more frequently than every four years. The proposal is backed by US investment firm Thrive Capital, founded by Joshua Kushner, whose brother Jared is a son-in-law of United States President Donald Trump.
