FIFA has announced plans to raise approximately $4.2 billion by selling a stake in the business operations of the World Cup and other competitions through a newly created private subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise. The governing body stated it would retain a majority share in the enterprise while seeking “long-term investors” to finance the initiative.
The proposal has triggered significant criticism from multiple continental football confederations. The Asian Football Confederation president called the plan “unacceptable,” arguing it undermines the sport’s continental structure. Reports indicate potential investors include international figures with connections to US political circles, though specific details on investor participation remain unconfirmed.
FIFA is reportedly accelerating the timeline for the venture, with plans to receive initial financing from private investors within less than 100 days. The rapid deployment of the plan has intensified reactions from various football federations and confederations globally, with concerns raised about the privatization of World Cup commercial operations and its implications for football’s governance structure.
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