FIFA sets Sept. 19 deadline for members to back $4 billion stake sale plan

FIFA is pushing a controversial plan to sell stakes in its major competitions, including the World Cup, offering member associations $40 million each if they approve the deal by September 19. FIFA President Gianni Infantino informed members that a $10 billion funding package would be available starting January 1, 2027, if the proposal is accepted. This move aims to establish a commercial subsidiary to manage events.

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Hands off our game.

However, the proposal has ignited a furious backlash from European football's governing body, UEFA, which stated the World Cup is not an "asset to trade." The Asian Football Confederation also indicated it had not been consulted. EU sports chief Glenn Micallef directly addressed FIFA, warning them to "Hands off our game."

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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.

Sources opposed to the plan have reportedly labeled it as "pure bribery." FIFA's offer contrasts with a fallback option of $2.7 billion in development funds through its Forward programme if the proposal is rejected. The decision now rests with individual member associations, who must weigh the potential financial windfall against significant criticism from key football bodies.

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Should you wish to retain the status quo and reject this proposal we still have our planned expansion of the Forward programme (development funds) of $2.7 billion as previously presented.