The African Football Confederation (CAF) announced the convening of a meeting of the Executive Committee to evaluate the "FIFA Forward Enterprise" initiative proposed by FIFA.
FIFA had previously announced the launch of a company named FIFA Forward Enterprise valued at 20 billion US dollars, with external parties to be invited to invest in minority stakes without control. (See details)
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. However, CAF decided to study the matter at the Executive Committee meeting next week.
CAF's statement came via its website
The African Football Confederation (CAF) received today correspondence from the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) regarding the proposed "FIFA Forward Enterprise" initiative, as part of the ongoing consultation process with FIFA member associations and the FIFA Council.
As part of this consultative process, CAF President Patrice Motsepe will host a meeting of the confederation's Executive Committee next week to evaluate the proposed "FIFA Forward Enterprise" initiative.
The African Football Confederation also encourages its member associations to study the "FIFA Forward Enterprise" proposal and participate in the consultation process in accordance with the approved CAF and FIFA regulations and procedures.
The African Football Confederation is committed to continuing consultation and working with its member associations, FIFA, other football confederations, and relevant parties to support the increase of financial and other resources needed for the development and growth of football in Africa and the world.
The CAF Executive Committee will examine the "FIFA Forward Enterprise" proposalhttps://t.co/SBjBA2hz8R@CAF_Media
FIFA indicated in its statement that "the 211 member associations will be given the opportunity to participate in the FIFA Fast-Forward (FFFP) program to obtain one-time capital financing of up to 20 million US dollars. Participation will be entirely voluntary, and no member association will be obligated to participate".
It stressed that "any net proceeds from the FFE company will be fully reinvested in football".
FIFA wants 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.
