FIFA has announced the launch of a company named FIFA Forward Enterprise valued at 20 billion US dollars, as external parties will be invited to invest in minority stakes that do not confer control.
FIFA's proposal was met with strong rejection from all quarters, whether the European, Asian, or North American confederations, as well as the English Football Association, following the issuance of the statement.
FIFA indicated in its statement that "it will grant the 211 member associations the opportunity to participate in the FIFA Fast-Forward Programme (FFFP) to obtain one-time capital funding of up to 20 million US dollars. Participation will be entirely voluntary, and no member association will be obliged to participate".
It stressed that "any net proceeds from FFE company will be fully reinvested in football".
FIFA wishes to establish an independent commercial company to manage its commercial rights and major events, following the huge financial gains from the 2026 World Cup held in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
FIFA's proposal, according to its official statement, came
In line with other sports bodies that own specialised subsidiary commercial companies, FIFA will invite external parties to invest in minority stakes that do not confer control in FFE (FIFA Forward Enterprise).
Any such investors will be selected according to clear long-term criteria, in line with governance and strategic standards.
They will represent a geographically diverse group reflecting the global nature of the game, and will act as long-term minority partners who can contribute capital and commercial expertise to support FIFA's mission of growing the global game. FIFA will also retain full control of FFE through majority representation on the board of directors and exclusive authority over football management, competitions, the international match calendar and all regulatory and sporting decisions.
While FIFA regularly establishes subsidiaries for specific projects by individual decision, in this case it is involving the member associations and the FIFA Council due to its strategic importance. In line with FIFA's democratic processes, FIFA management will only launch the new structure if a majority of member associations decide to support it, in addition to the FIFA Council's approval of the required regulatory updates.
Subject to these final agreements and required approvals, Thrive Eternal, a permanent capital holding company, is expected to lead the proposed group of investors for FFE.
Greg Maffei, CEO of BANN Ventures and former President and CEO of Liberty Media during its acquisition and ownership of Formula 1, was a key commercial adviser and will continue his involvement in establishing FFE at this next stage.
In the course of this process, J.P. Morgan has been engaged to work alongside FIFA, while other advisers, such as OpenEconomics, are in contact with prospective long-term investors.
The process focuses on assembling a geographically diverse group of investors reflecting the global nature of FIFA and the game; expressions of interest to date include investors from all major regions of the world: Europe, the Americas, Asia and Africa.
It is the duty of the FIFA President and management to direct and manage the course of this project. External investors will hold only a minority stake in FFE and will have no operational role. Likewise, they are investing in a company that follows FIFA, not in FIFA itself. For FIFA, nothing changes.
FIFA intends to expand football development funding to over USD 10 billion subject to approval by FIFA Member Associations@fifamedia
UEFA response
We learned today of the deadline set by FIFA for the associations to support its proposals or withdraw the one-time payment offer. This tells you everything you need to know about this plan.
But after holding discussions with many stakeholders in the world of football, UEFA recognises significant and growing opposition to FIFA's plan.
FIFA cannot continue to exploit our sport to enrich themselves and their friends. We can develop the game properly. It is time to prioritise associations, clubs, leagues, players and fans.
Further UEFA statement on FIFA plans: ⬇ pic.twitter.com/EgQSUob9B5@UEFA
Concacaf response
"Concacaf was only informed of this matter through media reports, followed by a subsequent press release.
We are deeply concerned about the absence of due process.
We share the disappointment of many in our region and in the world of football in general, as this level of detail was designed and published publicly before any discussion with the relevant governing bodies and stakeholders.
As leaders in the world of football, we are responsible for protecting the game. It is the responsibility of FIFA, the confederations and all member associations to always act in the best interests of the sport. Every decision we make must be based on principles of good governance, effective procedures and sound long-term management.
This is the framework within which Concacaf operates. We are confident that all members of the FIFA family will act in the same way".
Concacaf Statement Regarding the Proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise@ConcacafMedia
AFC response
The Asian Football Confederation confirms that it was not consulted on this proposal and expresses its disappointment that an issue of such importance was raised in the public domain before the AFC football family had the opportunity to study and discuss it through established and recognised governance channels.
While the AFC recognises the importance of exploring innovative approaches that can contribute to strengthening the future of global football, it affirms that initiatives of this scale and with these implications must be based on principles of good governance, transparency and meaningful consultation. Decisions that may reshape the commercial and financial future of the game also require comprehensive and prior engagement with the confederations, member national associations and other relevant stakeholders in the game, before any proposal is presented to the decision-making body or bodies.
The AFC firmly believes in the necessity of providing all stakeholders in the game with sufficient information and giving them appropriate time to comprehensively evaluate the proposal, including aspects related to governance, legal, commercial and strategic considerations. This approach is essential to ensure that any decision reflects the collective interests of the global football community and enhances confidence in FIFA's established governance framework.
As one of the six confederations under the umbrella of world football, the AFC reaffirms its firm commitment to continuing to contribute to the development of football at the global level.
AFC takes note of FIFA's announcement on the proposed establishment of FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). https://t.co/btAnIDYkpg@theafcdotcom
The FA response
We have issued the following statement in response to media reports regarding the FIFA World Cup:
"We were not aware of this proposal at all, and we do not have any material details, including the nature of the proposal and its terms.
"Based on the limited information available to us, we are deeply concerned about the absence of the necessary procedures and governance to reach this stage, as well as the apparent content and principles involved in the proposal.
"Once the proposal is published in full and transparently as FIFA has promised, we will clarify our position and provide further comment".
We have issued a statement in response to media reports regarding the FIFA World Cup: https://t.co/S2kEC493jY@FA
No responses have been issued yet from the African, South American and Oceanian (Australia) confederations.
So what will be FIFA's position after 3 of the 6 federations rejected its decision, and how will it move forward in the future to implement Gianni Infantino's ideas.
