FIFA President Gianni Infantino has offered up to $40 million (£30 million) to each of the governing body’s 211 member associations if they approve his controversial proposal to sell minority stakes in FIFA’s flagship competitions.
According to a five-page letter seen by the BBC on Wednesday, member associations that endorse the proposal by September 19 will receive an initial $20 million (£15 million) from January 1, 2027, with a further $20 million to follow.
The proposal centres on the creation of FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new commercial subsidiary that would manage FIFA’s flagship tournaments, including the men’s and women’s World Cups and the Club World Cup. While FIFA would retain majority ownership, minority, non-controlling stakes would be offered to carefully selected long-term investors.
Infantino said the initiative could generate up to $10 billion (£7.52 billion) to significantly increase funding for football development worldwide.
“It is my duty and responsibility as FIFA president to present such game-changing opportunities to you, our members.
“It is equally my duty and responsibility to ensure such proposals are sufficiently complete and feasible, replete with substantiated figures and clear terms to assist you in the decision-making process,” Infantino wrote.
FIFA said the initial payments to member associations would be funded through the sale of a minority portion of its stake in FIFA Forward Enterprise.
The proposal has, however, drawn sharp criticism from several football authorities, with opponents raising concerns over transparency, governance and the potential influence of private investors on the sport’s biggest competitions.
The Football Association (FA) said it had not been consulted before the proposal was announced and questioned both the process and the lack of detail surrounding the plan.
“We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is and what conditions are attached,” an FA spokesperson said.
“Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved.
“When the proposal is shared fully and transparently, as now promised by FIFA, we will make our views clear and comment further.”
The latest development comes a day after FIFA’s plan triggered widespread opposition from football authorities across Europe, Asia and North America, with critics warning it could fundamentally reshape the governance and commercial future of world football.
