FIFA sets Sept. 19 deadline for member vote on $10 billion private investment plan

FIFA president Gianni Infantino sent a letter to the organization’s 211 member federations on Wednesday, setting a Sept. 19 deadline to approve a private-investment plan that would establish a $20 billion subsidiary, 20 % owned by private investors, to run FIFA competitions. If the plan is accepted, a $10 billion funding package would become available from Jan. 1 2027, allowing each association to receive up to $40 million – $20 million as a one-off Fast Forward grant and $20 million from the FIFA Forward development programme for the 2027-30 cycle. Rejection would leave the existing $2.7 billion Forward programme in place.

The proposal is backed by Thrive Capital, an investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner. UEFA announced it would convene an emergency meeting of its 55 member federations and issued a statement warning that the deadline could force a withdrawal of the one-off payout offer. "Today we have learned of FIFA's deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn.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," UEFA said.

The Football Association and CONCACAF expressed "deep concern" about the lack of consultation and governance surrounding the plan. The FA added that it had not received substantive details and would comment further once full information is provided. Sources in English women’s football described the proposal as "unconscionable" and warned it could harm the women’s game by prioritising profit over player safety.

UEFA officials indicated that a boycott of FIFA’s plan is being considered, citing the need to protect the interests of associations, clubs, leagues, players and fans. The dispute comes as the next World Cup, the women’s tournament in 2027, approaches, raising fears that any boycott could affect that event as well.