CONMEBOL to consult 10 associations on FIFA's World Cup commercial plan

South American football confederation CONMEBOL has stated its position on FIFA's proposal to establish a subsidiary for managing the commercial business of the World Cup. The organization announced on Friday, July 31, 2026, that it has initiated an internal consultation process with its 10 member associations before finalizing its stance.

CONMEBOL emphasized that it will listen to its members before making a decision. The confederation is reviewing the initiative and has requested further details from FIFA regarding the operations of FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), the proposed company intended to manage commercial assets. In a statement titled "Football First," CONMEBOL announced a meeting of its Council of presidents to assess the project's scope, adhering to its institutional mechanisms and technical criteria.

The organization has sought clarifications on key aspects of FIFA's proposal, including the new company's structure, governance system, functional scope, and potential consequences for global football. CONMEBOL assured a prudent approach throughout the process, stating that any decision must support the sport's development and that commercial interests must remain subordinate to the principles governing football activities.

This move by CONMEBOL follows FIFA's confirmation of its intention to sell 20% of FIFA Forward Enterprise. FIFA claims the subsidiary will manage commercial operations and events, including the World Cup, without altering sporting governance. The proposal, which values the new company at approximately $20 billion, has already faced resistance from other confederations, including UEFA, CONCACAF, and the Asian Football Confederation, who have issued separate rejections. FIFA maintains that the initiative aims to bolster the economic development of its federations while retaining control over football.