FIFA president Gianni Infantino has warned England and other nations that they only have 53 days to sign up to his World Cup sell-off plan or risk receiving a reduced funding package.
Infantino is spearheading a plan to sell stakes in the World Cup by setting up a new company called FIFA Forward Enterprise, which would oversee commercial rights for every tournament.
FIFA’s 211 member associations, including the English Football Association, have been promised windfalls of up to $40 million (£30.1m) each if they agree to the proposal by the September 19 deadline.
In a letter sent to FIFA’s member associations, Infantino vowed that a $10 billion (£7.5bn) funding package would be available if the plan is approved, but that figure would drop to $2.7bn (£2bn) if it is rejected.
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‘It is my duty and responsibility as FIFA president to present such game-changing opportunities to you, our members,’ Infantino wrote in the letter.
‘Should you wish to proceed this $10 billion package will become available as of January 1, 2027, ushering in the next phase of our journey together.
‘Should you wish to retain the status quo and reject this proposal we still have our planned expansion of the Forward programme [development money] of $2.7 billion as previously presented.
‘In total for the upcoming cycle starting as of January 1, 2027 each member association will have the possibility of access up to $40 million per member association under this proposal.’
UEFA is now planning an emergency meeting with its 55 member associations this week to discuss the proposal.
But in its initial statement on Tuesday, UEFA heavily criticised FIFA’s plan to sell off parts of the World Cup.
‘This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross,’ UEFA’s statement said.
Why is FIFA’s World Cup sell-off plan being opposed?
FIFA’s aim is to increase revenue from future World Cup and Club World Cup tournaments.
The plan is for FIFA to set up a new company called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) to deal with the commercial operations.
FIFA would retain the majority share in FFE, which means it would still oversee football governance, fixture calendars and decisions on the pitch.
However, the problem starts with FIFA trying to raise a further $4.2 billion (£3.6m) though private investment.
Although private investors would only have a minority stake in FFE, they would still expect to have a say in decisions related to the World Cup, which could then have an impact on players and supporters.
Private investors could also pressure FIFA into expanding the World Cup, or even hosting the tournament more frequently than every four years.
‘UEFA takes it extremely seriously. So should every National Football Association. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game.
‘The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade — especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially.
‘None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell.’
Infantino’s close relationship with United States President Donald Trump came under scrutiny during the World Cup.
The World Cup proposal is backed by the US investment firm Thrive Capital which was founded by Joshua Kushner, whose brother Jared is a son-in-law of Trump.
Meanwhile, the Football Association says it is ‘deeply concerned’ by Infantino’s proposal.
‘We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached,’ the FA’s statement read.
‘Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved.
‘When the proposal is shared in the full and transparent way now promised by FIFA, we will make our views clear, and comment further.’
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