FIFA has given its member associations until September 19 to decide whether to support a proposal to sell minority stakes in its major competitions, including the World Cup, with each association eligible to receive up to $40 million if the plan goes ahead.
The global football governing body unveiled the proposal on Tuesday, announcing plans to establish a commercial subsidiary to manage its flagship tournaments. The move has, however, drawn strong criticism from several football stakeholders.
UEFA described the World Cup as “not an asset to trade”, while the Asian Football Confederation said it had not been consulted before the proposal was announced. European Union sports commissioner Glenn Micallef also criticised the plan, urging FIFA to keep commercial interests away from the sport.
According to The Times, FIFA President Gianni Infantino informed member associations in a letter that a $10 billion funding package would become available from January 1, 2027, if they approved the proposal.
Infantino reportedly told members they could either support the new initiative and gain access to the expanded funding or reject it and continue under the previously proposed $2.7 billion FIFA Forward development programme.
Under the proposed arrangement, each member association could receive up to $40 million during the next funding cycle beginning in 2027.
However, critics quoted by The Times described the financial offer as “pure bribery”.
UEFA also condemned FIFA’s deadline, arguing that the governing body was pressuring associations into backing the proposal.
The European football body said discussions with stakeholders across the game showed growing opposition to the plan and insisted football’s future should prioritise associations, clubs, leagues, players and supporters rather than commercial interests.