FIFA President Gianni Infantino has come forward to justify the organization’s plan to sell minority stakes in a new commercial subsidiary responsible for managing the FIFA World Cup and other tournaments. Infantino characterizes the proposal as an opportunity rather than an obligation for member associations, aiming to reassure stakeholders of its potential benefits.
The plan involves offering up to a 20% stake to external investors, but it has sparked significant criticism from several key football bodies, including UEFA, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation. These organizations have voiced concerns over issues of transparency and governance that might arise from such a move. In response to the proposal, UEFA is organizing an emergency meeting to formulate a collective response, amid reports that some European associations may consider taking stronger action if the plan proceeds without changes.
Despite the backlash, FIFA has maintained that it will continue to hold complete control over its competitions and governance structures, irrespective of any external investment. Infantino has emphasized this point to assuage fears that the organization’s autonomy might be compromised.
As the debate continues, FIFA has set a deadline of September 19 for its 211 member associations to express their stance on the proposal. This timeframe pressures the associations to quickly assess the implications of the plan and decide whether to endorse or oppose it.