FIFA to proceed with consultation process over sale plans

FIFA intends to move forward with its plan to attract private investment into the World Cup and other major tournaments, a move that has ignited fierce opposition from UEFA. The global soccer governing body announced its intention to establish a new subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to manage commercial and event operations, offering external investors stakes of up to 20% in a venture valued at $20 billion.

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Our planned consultation process was disrupted by incorrect media reports. We will proceed with this consultation process to ensure that each MA (Member Association) has the ability to express its vote based on facts.

This proposal has drawn sharp criticism from regional confederations, who claim they were blindsided by the plan. European soccer's governing body, UEFA, along with its 55 member nations, has voted to boycott all FIFA tournaments. UEFA accused FIFA of putting the sport's "soul" up for sale.

FIFA responded by stating that its consultation process was disrupted by inaccurate media reports. The organization asserted its commitment to ensuring that each member association (MA) can cast an informed vote based on facts. FIFA emphasized that no single entity can represent all 211 member associations and that democratic principles require each MA to have a say in shaping its future.

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Nobody is selling football. This is not something FIFA would ever entertain.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino publicly supports the plan. An investor group led by Thrive Eternal, founded by Joshua Kushner, is reportedly interested in securing a minority stake. FIFA has promised significant financial returns to national associations if FFE is implemented. However, a European boycott could jeopardize the staging of major tournaments, including the Women's Under-20 World Cup in Poland and the senior Women's World Cup in Brazil.

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Everyone has the right to express their opposition and to seek further clarification but no single entity can claim to represent all 211 MAs around the world.

FIFA maintains that FFE would "turbocharge" global football and that the organization would retain sole control and ownership. Despite the backlash, FIFA is proceeding with its consultation process, aiming to gather input from all member associations.

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Each MA should be allowed to review the proposal and have a say in shaping their own future. These are the democratic principles of FIFA.