FIFA President Gianni Infantino has proposed a $20 billion plan to create a new subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), aimed at managing global soccer competitions, including the World Cup. This initiative has sparked significant backlash from European football bodies, particularly UEFA, which has expressed strong opposition to the commercialization and privatization of the World Cup without proper consultation.
Under the proposal, FIFA intends to offer minority, non-controlling stakes in FFE to private investors, including Thrive Eternal, a firm founded by Joshua Kushner. Each of FIFA's 211 member federations would receive a one-time $20 million incentive to approve the plan by September 19. However, UEFA and other continental soccer organizations have condemned the lack of transparency and the potential undermining of existing tournaments like the Champions League and Copa America.
Critics argue that the plan could lead to the commercialization of football governance, prioritizing financial gains over the sport's integrity. British Prime Minister Andy Burnham has also voiced concerns, emphasizing that football belongs to the fans, not investors. The proposal follows previous contentious initiatives by Infantino and could further consolidate his control through a potential leadership role in the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise subsidiary.
The situation remains fluid, with UEFA organizing an emergency online meeting to discuss the matter further. The outcome of this meeting and the subsequent decisions by FIFA's member federations will determine the future of the World Cup's governance and its relationship with private investors.