FIFA plan to sell minority stakes in tournament rights draws UEFA backlash
FIFA said it is developing a commercial entity that would sell minority, non-controlling stakes linked to World Cup and Club World Cup rights, prompting strong opposition from UEFA.
FIFA has outlined plans for a new commercial entity that would bring private investors into rights linked to its major tournaments, including the men’s and women’s World Cups and the Club World Cup, drawing immediate criticism from UEFA.
The world governing body said it is working with JPMorgan on the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise. FIFA says carefully selected long-term investors would purchase minority, non-controlling interests and that net benefits would be reinvested in football worldwide.
People familiar with the proposal value the venture at about $20 billion, according to reporting by the Guardian. FIFA said the arrangement could support more than $10 billion in additional distributions to its 211 member associations and increase annual funding for each association from $8 million to $20 million.
UEFA objected that commercial rights and football governance should not be opened to private influence without greater transparency. The European body said the proposal crossed an institutional line and urged national associations and other stakeholders to scrutinise it.
The plan is not final. FIFA said it requires approval from a majority of member associations, but no timetable for a vote was reported. Until that process is completed, the ownership structure, investor group and practical effect on tournament decisions remain unresolved.
