- Gianni Infantino has informed member associations that they will each receive $40 million if they agree to the World Cup sell-off plan, with only 53 days to sign up.
- If the proposal is accepted, the $10 billion funding package will be available starting January 1, 2027.
- Infantino warned that associations who do not back his plans may miss out on approximately $10 million (£7.5 million) per member association for the next cycle.
- UEFA nations are expected to hold an emergency meeting and there is a willingness to use the threat of a boycott if Infantino pushes ahead with the plans.
- UEFA stated that the "soul and governance of football are not assets to trade" in response to FIFA's proposals.
- If the proposal is rejected, FIFA will still proceed with a planned expansion of the Forward programme, providing $2.7 billion in development money.
- Each member association will have access to up to $40 million under the proposed plan starting January 1, 2027.
- FIFA's new venture would provide access to funding of $20 million (£15 million) from 2027 to 2030, a figure that has now doubled.
- Infantino stated that the launch of FFE needs more than 50 per cent of members to back the plans, along with his ruling council.
UEFA has expressed strong opposition to FIFA's controversial plan to sell off part of the organization to private investors, which could generate up to $10 billion in funding. FIFA President Gianni Infantino has set a September 19 deadline for member associations to agree to the proposal, offering each association $40 million as an incentive.127
If the associations reject the plan, their funding will drop to $2.7 billion, a reduction of nearly 75%. Infantino's letter to the 211 member associations emphasizes that the decision rests entirely with them, stating, “The decision on whether or not to proceed with this proposal belongs entirely to you.” He further noted that the funding package would be available starting January 1, 2027 if approved.6
The proposal involves raising up to $4.2 billion from external investors through the sale of minority stakes in FIFA Football Enterprises (FFE), which is valued at around $20 billion. Infantino requires more than 50% of member support to proceed, warning that failure to meet this condition would mean continuing with the existing Forward Programme, which offers only $10 million per member association.3
In response, UEFA is reportedly convening an emergency meeting and may consider a boycott if FIFA moves forward with the plan. UEFA has stated that the “soul and governance of football are not assets to trade.”45
“Infantino's proposal offers each member association access to up to $40 million starting January 1, 2027, but warns that those who do not support it may miss out on approximately $10 million in funding. UEFA nations are expected to hold an emergency meeting this week, considering a boycott if the plans proceed.”
The Times
