- Fifa has responded to outrage over a plan to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors by saying it plans to continue the consultation process.
- Fifa said in response: "Nobody is selling football," it insisted.
- Fifa wants to create a commercial subsidiary to run its main events, including its World Cups, and external investors will be able to buy stakes in it.
- FFE has been proposed solely to ensure that all FIFA Member Associations (MAs) have the opportunity to take meaningful ownership of the commercial opportunity of football in their respective countries.
UEFA's decision to boycott the World Cup stems from FIFA's plan to allow private investors to purchase stakes in its competitions, a move that has sparked significant backlash. FIFA insists that this initiative is designed to enhance ownership opportunities for its member associations without compromising the integrity of the sport.123
FIFA's proposal includes the creation of a commercial subsidiary to manage its major events, including the World Cups. This plan aims to ensure that all FIFA Member Associations (MAs) can participate in the commercial benefits of football in their countries. FIFA stated, "FFE has been proposed solely to ensure that all FIFA Member Associations (MAs) have the opportunity to take meaningful ownership of the commercial opportunity of football in their respective countries".4
Despite the backlash, FIFA is committed to moving forward with its investment strategy, emphasizing that "nobody is selling football". The organization plans to continue consultations with its members to address concerns and clarify the implications of this investment approach. As the situation develops, the tension between UEFA and FIFA could reshape the landscape of international football governance.
“FIFA plans to create a commercial subsidiary to manage its main events, allowing external investors to buy stakes. The initiative, known as FFE, aims to give FIFA Member Associations meaningful ownership of football's commercial opportunities without compromising the sport's governance.”
BBC
