FIFA proposes $20 billion commercial subsidiary, UEFA objects

FIFA president Gianni Infantino said the organization will create a commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to manage competitions such as the World Cup and Club World Cup. The venture aims to raise up to $4.2 billion this year, valuing the new company at $20 billion, and will seek minority investors, including a fund linked to Joshua Kushner.

UEFA responded that selling stakes in football competitions is contrary to the sport’s governance, stating, "It is not FIFA’s to sell. None of us are the owners of football." The European body added, "The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade — especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially," and warned that national associations should treat the proposal "extremely seriously."

FIFA, a Swiss-based not-for-profit association of 211 national federations, said member associations would have the option to receive up to $20 million in one-off capital and could benefit from increased development funding under a new "FIFA Fast-Forward Program" that would raise annual grants to $20-$24 million through 2038. The organization emphasized that it would retain sole control over FFE and all regulatory decisions.

The proposal follows a previous, unsuccessful attempt in 2018 to secure a $25 billion partnership with SoftBank. UEFA’s opposition reflects ongoing tensions over the commercialization of football and the involvement of private investors with political connections.