FIFA is considering selling minority stakes in a new commercial subsidiary, drawing sharp criticism from UEFA and UK officials.
Key facts
- •FIFA intends to increase football development funding to more than $10 billion through the new FIFA Forward Enterprise subsidiary.
- •Member associations would be eligible for up to $20 million in one-off capital if the proposal is approved.
- •Thrive Eternal, founded by Joshua Kushner, is the expected lead for the proposed investor group.
- •UEFA stated that the soul and governance of football are not assets to be traded.
- •FIFA maintains that it has a duty to control the development of the project to ensure sustainable, inclusive growth.
FIFA has announced plans to invite third-party investment into a new commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, to expand football development funding to over $10 billion. The proposal, which requires approval from FIFA's 211 member associations, would allow investors to take minority, non-controlling stakes in the venture. UEFA and UK officials have publicly criticized the move, arguing that the governance and soul of football should not be treated as tradeable assets.
By the numbers
Proposed Investment Structure
Under the plan, FIFA aims to consolidate its commercial and event operations under the new subsidiary. FIFA stated that Thrive Eternal, an American venture capital firm founded by Joshua Kushner, is expected to lead the investor group if the proposal is approved. As part of the pitch, FIFA indicated that each of its 211 member associations would be eligible to access up to $20 million in one-off capital for development projects.
Criticism and Governance Concerns
UEFA issued a statement condemning the proposal, asserting that football's governance is not FIFA's to sell and that the plan crosses a line that governing institutions should not cross. Prime Minister Andy Burnham also criticized the move, stating on social media that the World Cup is not a product and that football belongs to its supporters. While reports in The Times suggested the plan could involve Gianni Infantino taking a leadership role in the new entity, FIFA sources told the BBC that no such discussions have taken place.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Anadolu Agency Sport, BBC Sport.
