FIFA president Gianni Infantino has unveiled a commercial project. It could become one of the biggest financial ventures in the organisation’s history.
The plan would partially privatise FIFA’s commercial operations, most notably the World Cup. For the first time, outside investors would be allowed to take a stake in these activities.
Below, Al-Kanari breaks down the key elements of the proposal, how it would work, its potential value, and why it has faced such strong opposition.
A new commercial company
At the centre of the proposal is the creation of a new independent company, FIFA Forward Enterprise. This company would take control of FIFA’s commercial assets.
Those assets would include all of FIFA’s major revenue streams, including the World Cup — the organisation’s biggest source of income. They also include broadcasting rights, sponsorship deals, advertising contracts, ticketing revenue, licensing rights and event operations.
The plan would see up to 20% of the company’s shares sold to outside investors, including investment funds and private companies. Meanwhile, FIFA would retain an 80% majority stake.
The proposed company has been valued at around $20bn, based on an assessment carried out with US bank J.P. Morgan.
Funding incentives for approval
To win support from member associations, Infantino has tied the proposal to a major funding package for FIFA’s 211 national associations. There are two possible outcomes depending on whether the plan is approved.
If approved, the $10bn package would see each national association receive $40m during the 2027–2030 cycle. Of this, $20m would be distributed directly through the Fast Forward programme. Additionally, another $20m would go towards development projects through FIFA’s Forward programme over four years.
The proposed funding would then increase in later cycles, rising to $22m for 2031 — 2034 and $24m for 2035 — 2038.
If the project is rejected, the $2.7bn package would not go ahead.
Instead, associations would receive only FIFA’s standard funding of $10m for the next cycle. This means they would miss out on roughly 75% of the additional money offered under the proposal.
Deadline and approval process
Infantino has set 19 September as the deadline for federations to decide whether to join the project. The decision affects access to the $40m funding package.
The proposal requires approval from more than half of FIFA’s member associations, as well as backing from the FIFA Council.
Infantino insists the plan would not change FIFA’s governance structure. He argues that sporting, technical and organisational decisions would remain entirely under FIFA’s control.
Opposition to FIFA
The proposal has triggered significant opposition, led by UEFA and joined by other continental federations and prominent figures across football.
Critics argue that the World Cup is a global sporting institution, not a commercial asset. Furthermore, they believe that allowing investment funds to take ownership stakes would fundamentally change the nature of the tournament. They fear commercial interests could begin to outweigh sporting priorities.
Opponents have also criticised the way the proposal was developed, arguing that it was created behind closed doors with financial institutions and without consultation with the six continental federations. These include UEFA and CONCACAF, or the clubs and organisations responsible for running competitions.
They have also accused FIFA of using funding as leverage, arguing that tying additional money to a 19 September deadline places pressure on federations. This is especially true for those with fewer resources — to approve the plan.
Critics say the financial incentives amount to an attempt to push the proposal through by exploiting the funding needs of poorer federations.
Featured image via the Canary
By Alaa Shamali
