FIFA has revealed plans to sell a minority stake in the commercial operations linked to the FIFA World Cup and its other competitions through the establishment of a new semi-private subsidiary.
The global football governing body announced on Tuesday that it would create FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), while maintaining majority ownership and control of the new company. FIFA is aiming to raise $4.2 billion later this year by selling non-controlling minority stakes to long-term investors.
In a statement, FIFA said the move was designed to boost investment in football globally while ensuring that it maintains full authority over football governance, competitions, the international match calendar and regulatory matters.
The announcement followed reports by The Times and the Financial Times suggesting that FIFA President Gianni Infantino could benefit from the arrangement by becoming commissioner of the new company after stepping down from office in 2031. FIFA rejected the claim, stating that no such discussions had taken place.
The reports also identified possible investors, including Thrive Capital and an investment division of JPMorgan Chase, although FIFA has not confirmed any agreements.
The proposal has faced criticism from some football stakeholders. UEFA cautioned that football governance should not be turned into a commercial asset, while former FIFA President Sepp Blatter criticised the plan, describing it as harmful to the sport.
Subject to approval from FIFA’s Council and member associations, the new subsidiary is expected to have an initial valuation of $20 billion. FIFA added that each of its 211 member associations would have the opportunity to purchase a one-time $20 million stake.
The organisation said the initiative could help raise football development funding to more than $10 billion over the next four years.