FIFA’s proposal to sell a minority stake in a new commercial subsidiary has sparked growing opposition from soccer’s governing bodies, with UEFA, the Football Association (FA) and Concacaf all questioning the process behind the plan, while European soccer is now considering an emergency meeting and potential responses that sources told ESPN could include a boycott of future World Cups.The proposal, unveiled by FIFA earlier this week, would reshape the commercial ownership of the government’s flagship competitions, including the FIFA World Cup and Club World Cup, by transferring its commercial and events operations to a newly created company backed by private investment.
FIFA proposes a new commercial company
On Tuesday, FIFA announced plans to establish a new subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise, which will take control of the organization’s business operations and events while FIFA retains authority over governance, regulations, planning and sports decisions.Under the proposal, FIFA will sell a 20% minority stake in the new company at an estimated valuation of $20 billion, raising about $4.2 billion in private investment.FIFA appointed multinational financial services company JPMorgan to advise on the transaction, while the investor consortium will be led by Thrive Eternal, a fund launched by Thrive Capital founder Joshua Kushner. Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, linking the proposed investment to one of America’s most prominent political families.
President Donald Trump, left, speaks with FIFA President Gianni Infantino as confetti falls at the conclusion of the World Cup final soccer match between Spain and Argentina in East Rutherford, N.J., Sunday, July 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
According to FIFA, the organization remains the majority owner of the subsidiary and continues to oversee all football governance affairs, while the new structure is intended to generate significantly greater revenues for member associations.The proposal requires the approval of FIFA’s 211 member associations before it can proceed.
Infantino offers up to $40 million per partnership
Following criticism over the proposal, FIFA president Gianni Infantino wrote to all 211 member associations to defend what he described as “a unique and unique funding opportunity”.According to the letter, first reported by The Times and reviewed by several outlets including the Associated Press, member associations have until September 19 to approve the proposal.Infantino wrote that acceptance would unlock a $10 billion funding package starting January 1, 2027.“It is my duty and responsibility as FIFA president to present such game-changing opportunities to you, our members,” Infantino wrote.“If you want to continue, this $10 billion package will become available from January 1, 2027, opening the next phase of our journey together.“If you want to maintain the status quo and reject this proposal, we still have our planned expansion of the $2.7 billion Forward program as previously presented.”Under the proposal, each member association would have access to up to $40 million during the 2027-30 cycle, including a one-off payment of up to $20 million through the proposed Fast Forward program and another $20 million through FIFA Forward development funding.FIFA also indicated that annual financial support to member associations will continue to grow until 2038.
UEFA issues the strongest warning ever
The proposal has prompted an increasingly strong response from UEFA, which says it was not consulted before FIFA publicly announced the plans.On Tuesday, European football’s governing body described the proposal as one that “crosses a line that football’s governing bodies should never cross”.In a strong statement, UEFA said:“This crosses a line that football’s governing bodies should never cross. UEFA takes it very seriously.“So should every National Football Association. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game.“The soul and governance of football are not assets for trading, especially with zero transparency as to who is profiting financially. None of us own the football. It is not FIFA to sell.”The sources said later ESPN that UEFA accelerated plans to convene an emergency virtual meeting of its 55 member associations to discuss the proposal and potential responses, including the possibility of a future World Cup boycott.After learning of FIFA’s September 19 deadline, UEFA released a second statement criticizing both the ultimatum and the broader proposal.“Today we learned about the FIFA deadline for the associations to support their proposals or have the payment offer once withdrawn. This says everything you need to know about this plan.”UEFA said. “But having had discussions with many stakeholders in the game, UEFA knows that there is significant and growing opposition to FIFA’s scheme.“FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends. We can grow the game correctly. It is time to prioritize associations, clubs, leagues, players and fans.
The FA and Concacaf also express concerns
The Football Association said it first became aware of the proposal through media reports and criticized what it described as a lack of transparency throughout the process.“We were completely unaware of this proposal and without substantive details, including what the proposal actually is, and what conditions are attached,” the FA said in a statement.“Based on the limited information we have, we are very concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved.“When the proposal is shared in the full and transparent way now promised by FIFA, we will make our views clear, and comment further.”Concacaf echoed these concerns, saying it also learned of the proposal only after media reports and the subsequent public announcement by FIFA.“Concacaf was made only through media reports and subsequently through a media release,” he said. confederation said.“We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process.“We share the disappointment of many in our region and the game that this level of detail was designed and shared publicly before any discussion with the relevant government bodies and stakeholders.“As leaders in football, we are the custodians of the game. Collectively, FIFA, the confederations and each member association have a responsibility to always act in the best interests of the sport.“Every decision we make must be guided by good governance, robust processes and long-term stewardship. This is the framework in which Concacaf operates. We trust that everyone in the FIFA family will act in the same way.”