New Delhi, July 31, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
FIFA has defended its proposal to allow private investors to acquire minority stakes in its commercial operations, rejecting criticism from football bodies and insisting that the move does not amount to selling control of the sport.
In a statement issued on Friday, FIFA said its consultation process had been affected by what it described as “incorrect media reports” and reiterated that member associations would be given the opportunity to assess the proposal before taking a decision.
“We respect the feedback and concern aired in public and reaffirm our commitment to an open and democratic consultation,” FIFA said. “Nobody is selling football. This is not something FIFA would ever entertain.”
The proposal has faced opposition from several football organisations, with the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) stating that its 55 member associations would not participate in FIFA competitions as long as the plan remains under consideration.
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) has also rejected the proposal after discussions involving its member associations, leadership and FIFA Council representatives.
Under the plan announced earlier this week, FIFA intends to establish a commercial subsidiary named FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would combine commercial rights linked to broadcasting, sponsorship, ticketing and licensing with the operational delivery of tournaments.
FIFA aims to raise around USD 4.2 billion by selling minority, non-controlling stakes in the entity, which could initially be valued at approximately USD 20 billion.
The global football governing body has maintained that it would retain full authority over sporting matters, including competitions, governance, regulations and the international match calendar. It has also said the initiative would increase development funding opportunities for its 211 member associations.
FIFA said the proposed structure was designed to allow member associations to benefit from football’s commercial potential while preserving the organisation’s governance model.
The proposal requires approval from at least 106 of FIFA’s 211 members. UEFA and Concacaf members together account for 96 associations.
FIFA said every member association should independently review the proposal and participate in the decision-making process, calling this approach part of its democratic principles.
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