FIFA said Friday it will continue an “open and democratic” consultation on a proposed private investment plan for its commercial operations despite opposition from UEFA and several regional football bodies, which have rejected the proposal and raised the possibility of a World Cup boycott.
FIFA said all 211 member associations should have an opportunity to review the plan and vote based on the available information.
“Nobody is selling football,” FIFA said in a statement, adding that it would not consider selling the sport itself.
The governing body said it had considered concerns from UEFA and CONCACAF, which said all 41 of its member associations rejected the proposal to sell a stake in the business operations of the World Cup.
FIFA also said “incorrect media reports” had disrupted the consultation process.
“We respect the feedback and concern aired in public and reaffirm our commitment to an open and democratic consultation,” FIFA said.
FIFA announced the proposal Tuesday through its planned FIFA Forward Enterprise, a commercial subsidiary that would manage events including the World Cup and Club World Cup.
The organization estimates the venture could raise up to $4.2 billion based on a $20 billion valuation. Under the proposal, private investors could acquire minority stakes in the company.
FIFA also proposed giving each of its 211 member associations a one-time payment of $20 million in early 2027. The plan would increase their funding allocation for the 2027-2030 cycle from $8 million to $20 million.
UEFA has strongly opposed the plan and said Thursday that its national teams would not participate in FIFA competitions “for so long as these proposals remain alive.”
“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product,” UEFA said. “The World Cup is not for sale.”
UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin also criticized the proposal, saying football should not prioritize investor returns over national associations, leagues, clubs, players and supporters.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino defended the proposal Wednesday, calling it a “golden opportunity to turbocharge the development of the game globally.”
The opposition has extended beyond UEFA. CONCACAF said its 41 member associations unanimously rejected the proposal, citing concerns over due process, the short consultation period and the lack of review from FIFA’s relevant governing bodies.
The Asian Football Confederation also expressed concern that FIFA announced the proposal before fully consulting all 211 member associations. The Confederation of African Football urged its members to review the plan.
Several European football federations and European Union officials also criticized the proposal, citing concerns about the commercialization of the sport and potential conflicts of interest.
FIFA said its consultation will continue so each member association can consider the proposal and cast its vote.