The Football Association (FA) says it is "deeply concerned" by FIFA's proposals to seek private investment in its competitions, including the World Cup. FIFA intends to "invite third parties to make minority, non-controlling investments" in a new commercial subsidiary that would run top competitions, raising the prospect of further expansion to prioritise revenue.
FIFA confirmed the proposed investor group would be led by Thrive Eternal, a venture capital firm founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. The plan requires approval from FIFA's 211 member nations, who could each access up to £15m under the proposals.
Emergency UEFA meeting
The FA will join an emergency meeting of UEFA's 55 member associations later this week to discuss the plans. All options are on the table, with European nations potentially considering a boycott of the World Cup. A statement from the FA on Wednesday read: "We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached. 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 released a strong statement on Tuesday, saying the idea "crossed a line". UEFA said: "The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell."
Political and regional backlash
UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham also criticised the plans, insisting that "football does not belong to investors". He said: "The World Cup is not a product. It is the greatest competition in world sport, and it was never anyone's to sell. Dress the deal up however you like. Once you have sold a piece of it, you have sold out. Football belongs to the fans. It always has, and it always will."
CONCACAF, the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football, also criticised the proposals. In a statement, CONCACAF said it was "deeply concerned by the lack of due process" and shared the disappointment that the detail was designed and shared publicly before discussions with governance bodies. "As leaders within football, we are the custodians of the game. Collectively, FIFA, the Confederations and every Member Association have a responsibility to always act in the best interests of the sport," the statement added.
