FIFA has reiterated that it is not selling football, though it is moving forward with a proposal that would allow private investors to acquire minority stakes in a new commercial subsidiary that would run its main competitions, including the World Cup.
The plan, called Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE), aims to invite third parties to make non‑controlling investments in the new company, which would handle the commercial aspects of FIFA’s biggest events.
European football’s 55 member associations voted earlier this week that they would boycott the World Cups if the proposal were approved, and the 41 associations within CONCACAF have also "rejected" the idea.
FIFA said its consultation process had been disrupted by inaccurate media reports but would continue to allow each member association to vote on the proposal based on facts.
FIFA emphasised that no one is "selling football" and that the FFE initiative is intended to give national associations substantial ownership of the commercial opportunities in their countries while preserving FIFA’s spirit and governance.
Approval of the plan would require a vote by FIFA’s 211 members, with 106 favourable votes needed; UEFA and CONCACAF together constitute 96 associations who appear set to vote against it.
In a statement released on Friday morning, FIFA reiterated its commitment to an open and democratic consultation, noting that FFE would ensure all member associations have the chance to have a meaningful stake in the commercial success of football without compromising governance or the sport itself.
