FIFA has announced plans to establish a new commercial subsidiary valued at $20 billion (approximately €17.5 billion) and sell non-controlling minority stakes to private investors. The world football governing body called on its 211 member associations to back the plan, claiming they 'would benefit immediately from increased funding' if approved.

The European football federation UEFA immediately issued fierce criticism, stating the plan 'crosses a line that football's governing institutions should never cross.' UEFA argued that 'the soul and governance of football are not assets to trade — especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially.'

The new entity, named FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), would consolidate FIFA's commercial and event operations, managing broadcast, sponsorship, ticketing, and licensing contracts. FIFA aims to raise up to $4.2 billion 'this year' through the sale of minority stakes.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino portrayed the move as an effort to 'democratize' the game and spread funding more evenly, particularly to less wealthy football associations. He claimed the changes would 'unleash the commercial potential and opportunity' of the organization.

The announcement comes shortly after the World Cup hosted primarily in the US, with FIFA listing several US-based potential investors and advisors. Notably, Thrive Eternal, a holding company set up by Joshua Kushner — brother of US President Donald Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner — is expected to lead the investor group. Infantino's close ties to Trump have previously drawn criticism.

UEFA's opposition, however, may not be enough to stop the plan, as it represents only about a quarter of FIFA's member associations. FIFA stated that it has received expressions of interest from every major region globally and aims to create a geographically diversified investor group.

Source: www.dw.com