𝑭𝑰𝑭𝑨, 𝑼𝑬𝑭𝑨 𝒂𝒕 𝒐𝒅𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒗𝒂𝒕𝒆 𝒊𝒏𝒗𝒆𝒔𝒕𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒑𝒍𝒂𝒏

FIFA plans to create a commercial subsidiary valued at about $20 billion and sell up to 20% of the business to external investors, raising as much as $4.2 billion.

“The fans will continue to be at the centre of football. FIFA will remain fully in control of the governance of football and all sporting decisions.” Gianni Infantino FIFA President said.

The governing body says it will retain full control of football governance and that proceeds will be reinvested in the global development of the game.

UEFA has strongly opposed the proposal, arguing that “the soul and governance of football are not assets to trade” and insisting that football does not belong to FIFA to sell.

The European governing body has also criticized what it describes as a lack of transparency surrounding the proposal and its potential financial beneficiaries.The disagreement has widened beyond Europe.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has questioned FIFA’s consultation process, while UEFA and other stakeholders are considering their response as FIFA seeks backing from its 211 member associations.

Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter has also criticized the plan, saying the World Cup is not a commercial asset and warning that excessive commercialization risks undermining football’s public mission.

FIFA maintains that the investment would strengthen funding for grassroots football, infrastructure and development programmes worldwide while leaving sporting decisions under its sole authority.