Fierce attack on the FIFA project
- UEFA: The red line must never be crossed
- The English FA: We are concerned by the lack of measures and governance
- The German FA: An explicit attack on football
- CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation confirmed they were unaware of the project
Brussels, AFP – The International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) has come under fierce criticism from all sides over a project to create a company that would manage its commercial activities, organize the World Cup and other tournaments, and increase “funding allocated to the development of football,” by attracting external investors.
In response to such a project, members of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) held an emergency meeting on Wednesday, according to French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari.
Ferrari stated: “I am informing you of the emergency meeting organized by European football bodies. In the face of a project that could profoundly alter the existing balance in our sport, it is essential that European stakeholders speak with one voice.”
UEFA had previously announced its opposition to the project, describing it as a “red line that institutions managing football must never cross.”
For his part, European Commissioner for Youth, Culture, Sport and Education, Glenn Pirie, strongly condemned the project, telling FIFA: “Keep your hands off our game.” He argued that “these proposals raise important questions regarding competition law.”
FIFA revealed its project, clarifying in a statement that its management “is considering the idea of pooling all commercial rights, including broadcasting, sponsorship, ticket sales, and licensing, by creating a company (FIFA Forward Enterprise).”
It added that “FIFA will invite external parties to make minority investments without control rights” within this company.
The statement confirmed that “FIFA will retain exclusive control over the company through a majority on its board of directors,” and will keep “exclusive authority” regarding the governance of football, competitions, the calendar, regulatory decisions, and more.
FIFA estimated that the new company would raise “$4.2 billion” by the end of the year, and that “all its net profits will be reinvested in football,” promising its members economic returns through a new funding mechanism called the FIFA Fast Forward program.
The newspaper reported that FIFA President, Swiss Gianni Infantino, could benefit from the plan by taking on the role of commissioner of the new company after his expected next term ends in 2031. It added that discussions have already begun with potential investors.
According to what was published by The Times, FIFA told member associations that each would receive $40 million if they supported the plan to sell stakes in major competitions, but they must join the project by September 19 next year.
Infantino wrote in a letter seen by the British newspaper that the decision rests with each association individually, stating: “If you wish to proceed, this $10 billion package will become available as of January 1, 2027, marking the next phase of our shared journey.”
He added: “However, if you wish to maintain the status quo and reject this proposal, the previously planned expansion of the Forward program, valued at $2.7 billion as previously presented, will remain in place.”
Infantino continued: “During the next term starting on January 1, 2027, each member association will be able to receive funding of up to $40 million under this proposal.”
The Confederations of CONCACAF and Asia have criticized the project, with the former expressing “deep concern over the absence of due procedural protocols,” stating in a press release: “CONCACAF learned of this matter only through media reports and subsequently via a press statement.”
To implement the project, which still requires approval from FIFA’s governing body, the world football’s highest authority clarified that it is working with JPMorgan Chase and the Thrive Eternal investment fund, which “is expected to lead a group of potential investors in the new company.”
The fund was established by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, raising further questions and doubts.
In response to the project, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham said: “Football does not belong to investors, but to those who fill the stands and stand outside the stadiums week after week, whether it rains or shines. The World Cup is not a product. It is the greatest tournament in world sport, and it has never belonged to anyone to sell.”
The English Football League also criticized the plan, stating: “We are deeply concerned about the lack of procedures and governance. We were not aware of this proposal at all, nor do we have any substantive details about it, including what the actual offer entails or the terms associated with it.”
For his part, German Football Association Vice President Hans-Joachim Watzke strongly criticized the project, saying, “Many in European football view FIFA’s plans as a direct attack on the game. I share this view. A red line has been crossed here.” Meanwhile, French Football Federation President Philippe Diallo raised “many questions” about the project, noting that “we were not consulted as members and federations, and we were not provided with any specific information to form an opinion.”
Key reactions
Paris, AFP – Below are the key reactions to the announcement by the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA) of its intention to create a company to manage its commercial activities and attract external investors under the name “FIFA Forward Enterprise”:
- European Club Association (ECA): “The ECA notes with deep concern the media reports and the sudden announcement by FIFA regarding a potential new company to market certain competitions. As an organization representing more than 850 clubs, it is appropriate that the ECA be consulted on a project of such significance.”
- Javier Tebas, President of Spain’s La Liga: “FIFA’s competitions and commercial rights are not the personal property of Infantino. Whoever mixes politics, discipline, money, and power without transparency cannot manage anything.”
- Swiss Sepp Blatter, former FIFA President (1998–2015): “The close relationship between the FIFA President and the US President (Donald Trump) has taken on a financial dimension that causes serious harm to football. No one has the right to sell our sport.”
- Democratic members of the House Judiciary Committee, US Congress: “It seems that the fake Peace Prize and the massive lease contract at Trump Tower were not enough. Now, Infantino is attempting a third move by seeking to strike a multi-billion-dollar deal with Jared Kushner’s brother to sell stakes in World Cup commercial rights to private investors. The interests of oligarchs and large corporations will further distort the beauty of this game.”
- In a statement, the Football Supporters’ Association said: “We will do everything in our power to oppose this new decision and all those decisions that pose a serious threat to the future of football for the sake of short-term commercial gains. This project must not become a new phase in Infantino’s attempt to reshape football without regard for fans or the public interest of the game.”
