UEFA mobilises global resistance to Infantino’s World Cup sell-off

UEFA has called an emergency meeting of its 55 member associations to develop a coordinated response to FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s plan to sell a stake in the commercial rights to the World Cup and other competitions.The talks follow FIFA’s proposal to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise, a new commercial vehicle that could raise up to US$4.2bn by selling a 20% stake to private investors. The proceeds would be used to fund football development projects.Infantino said: “FFE is actually a proposal, an offer. It’s part of a democratic process, a consultation process, and, above all, it is an opportunity but not an obligation. It is a golden opportunity to turbocharge the development of the game globally.”Opposition has intensified after FIFA’s 211 member associations were given until September 19 to apply for an initial US$20m payment linked to the initiative. A further US$20m could become available later, although the terms attached to the payments remain unclear.UEFA said: “Today we have learned of FIFA’s deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn. This says everything you need to know about this plan.“But having held discussions with many stakeholders across the game, UEFA knows there is significant and growing opposition to FIFA’s scheme. FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends. We can grow the game correctly. It’s time to prioritise associations, clubs, leagues, players and fans.”The European governing body’s members are expected to discuss a range of possible responses, including governance challenges and legal action. A European boycott of FIFA competitions has also been raised during preliminary discussions.UEFA’s ability to establish a common position will be central to whether the proposal can advance. Several figures within football believe the creation of a new commercial entity and the sale of a stake could require an amendment to FIFA’s statutes.Such a change would require a 75% majority rather than a simple majority. UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation collectively represent 143 of FIFA’s 211 member associations, although their members are not guaranteed to vote as unified blocs.Concacaf said it had learned of the proposal through media reports and a subsequent announcement, despite its senior representatives holding positions within FIFA’s governance structure.Concacaf said: “We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process. We share the disappointment of many within our region and the game that this level of detail has been designed and shared publicly before any discussion with the relevant governance bodies and stakeholders has taken place.“As leaders within football, we are the custodians of the game. Collectively, FIFA, the confederations and every member association have a responsibility to always act in the best interests of the sport. Every decision we make must be guided by good governance, robust processes and long-term stewardship.”The Asian Football Confederation also said it had not been consulted, adding that initiatives capable of reshaping football’s commercial and financial future required meaningful engagement with confederations and national associations.European Football Clubs, which represents more than 850 clubs, has separately criticised FIFA’s failure to consult the organisation despite an existing memorandum of understanding between the two bodies.EFC said: “As an institution that represents over 850 football clubs, whose member clubs, their players and communities are fundamental participants in football worldwide, not least in FIFA’s competitions including all the international club competitions, it would be wholly appropriate for EFC to be fully consulted on a proposal of such magnitude.“EFC learned about this proposal in the same way as most global football stakeholders, without warning and through the media.”The dispute carries implications beyond the ownership of commercial rights. Private investors would be expected to seek financial returns, potentially increasing pressure to expand competitions, add inventory and stage FIFA tournaments more frequently.Stakeholders have also sought clarity over the investors involved, the governance rights attached to any stake and whether private capital could influence decisions on tournament formats, scheduling or host markets.FIFA has presented participation as voluntary and has argued that the initiative could accelerate investment across its member associations. Critics contend that linking a limited-time payment to the proposal risks compromising the independence of associations before complete terms have been disclosed.UEFA’s meeting represents the first attempt to convert widespread criticism into a coordinated institutional response. Its members must now determine whether to seek further disclosure, reject the payments or pursue measures capable of preventing FIFA from proceeding.