Fifa continues private investment consultation despite regional opposition
Developed over time first seen 3 months ago
Fifa has said it will continue consulting member associations on a plan to allow private investors to take minority stakes in a new commercial subsidiary running major tournaments, including the World Cup. The proposal has faced strong resistance from Uefa and Concacaf, with Uefa threatening a World Cup boycott, making the dispute significant for football’s governance and future finances.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino would need support from 106 of Fifa’s 211 members; Uefa and Concacaf together account for 90 votes. Fifa says the subsidiary, Fifa Forward Enterprise, could increase payments to each member association to an estimated €24m in 2035-39, while Infantino has offered $40m to nations backing the plan; US venture capital firm Thrive Eternal is expected to lead an investor group if it is approved.
- Fifa presses ahead with private investment consultation.
- Uefa and Concacaf strongly oppose the proposal.
- Approval requires 106 votes from Fifa members.
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Fifa is football’s global governing body. It organises major tournaments including the men’s and women’s World Cups, and is made up of 211 national football associations, which vote on important decisions.
The proposal concerns a new company that would handle the commercial side of Fifa’s biggest events, such as selling broadcasting, sponsorship and other rights. Private investors could buy minority stakes, while Fifa says it would keep control.
Uefa represents European national associations, while Concacaf covers North and Central America and the Caribbean. Their objections reflect concerns about who would influence football’s most valuable competitions and how the money they generate would be managed.
Both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Supporters argue that a minority, non-controlling investment vehicle could provide capital and specialist commercial expertise to grow Fifa competitions without surrendering governing authority. They contend that a carefully designed subsidiary could spread financial risk, improve long-term revenues and fund football development more broadly, while consultation and the voting threshold give member associations meaningful safeguards. Their central value is using modern financing to strengthen the global game while retaining public oversight of its core assets.
The case against
Opponents argue that the World Cup and other major competitions are shared sporting institutions whose commercial control should remain directly with member associations, not be exposed to investor incentives. Even a minority stake may create lasting pressure for higher returns, reduced transparency and decisions that prioritise commercial expansion over sporting integrity, players and supporters. Their central value is preserving democratic governance and collective ownership before any irreversible restructuring of football’s most valuable rights.
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Originally published by BBC World as “Fifa says ‘nobody selling football’ as it presses ahead with investment plan”.