FIFA’s plans to sell US$4.2bn stake in its tournaments widely criticised
PARIS - CONCACAF followed UEFA yesterday by criticising FIFA’s controversial plans to sell a stake in the business operations of the World Cup and its other c
International
2026-07-302026-07-30By Correspondent
PARIS – CONCACAF followed UEFA yesterday by criticising FIFA’s controversial plans to sell a stake in the business operations of the World Cup and its other competitions through the creation of a semi-private subsidiary.
World football’s governing body said Tuesday it would retain a majority share in FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) but hoped to raise US$4.2 billion later this year by “carefully selecting long-term investors who will purchase minority, non-controlling interests”.
FIFA’s statement was a rapid response to a story in British newspapers The Times and The Financial Times based on leaks of the plan from two sources.
The Times reported that FIFA president Gianni Infantino, 56, stood to profit from the scheme by becoming commissioner of the FFE after his expected next term expires in 2031. FIFA denied that this had been discussed.
The article also said discussion had started with financial advisors and potential investors.
