FIFA Denies ‘Selling Football’ as World Cup Investment Plan Faces Opposition
FIFA has rejected claims that its proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) amounts to selling football. The body says the new subsidiary would handle commercial activities around future World Cups, including broadcasting, sponsorship, licensing, ticketing and event operations. FIFA would retain ownership and control while offering a minority stake to private investors. President Gianni Infantino says the plan could attract up to $20 billion in investment for football development. FIFA says all 211 member associations, including Nigeria, would continue to receive $20 million under its development programme from 2027 to 2030. A voluntary Fast Forward programme could provide a further one-off $20 million payment. However, the proposal faces strong opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF and the AFC. FIFA insists member associations should be allowed to assess the proposal independently before the September 19 deadline.
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