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FIFA has announced it intends to move forward with its proposal to offer shares in the World Cup to private investors, despite strong opposition from many of the sport's most influential nations.
President Gianni Infantino's share-selling initiative sparked widespread outrage after details were first leaked to the press. Concacaf, the governing body overseeing soccer in North America, Central America, and the Caribbean, formally rejected the proposal shortly after Europe's UEFA announced it would boycott all FIFA events going forward unless the plans were abandoned.
UEFA and Concacaf collectively represent 96 of FIFA's 211 Member Associations (MAs). For Infantino's initiative to move forward, he would require backing from at least 106 MAs — meaning if all UEFA and Concacaf MAs vote in opposition, only 115 votes would remain available.
Despite the backlash, FIFA issued an early morning statement defending the proposal and reaffirming its intention to press ahead.
"We acknowledge the feedback and concerns expressed publicly and reaffirm our dedication to an open and democratic consultation process."
"Our intended consultation process was undermined by inaccurate media coverage. We will continue with this process to ensure every MA can cast its vote based on accurate information."
"FFE has been proposed solely to guarantee that all FIFA Member Associations have the chance to take meaningful ownership of football's commercial potential in their respective countries, without compromising the spirit or governance of FIFA or the sport itself.
"No one is selling football. This is something FIFA would never consider.
"Everyone has the right to voice opposition and seek further clarification, but no single body can claim to speak for all 211 MAs worldwide. Each MA deserves the opportunity to review the proposal and have a voice in determining their own future. These are the democratic values FIFA stands for."
UEFA's Boycott Threat to Be Tested Quickly
Many have questioned the timing of Infantino's proposal, which was reportedly delayed until after the 2026 World Cup, possibly to shield the tournament from controversy. However, with FIFA's marquee event now concluded for another four years, soccer's global governing body still faces a packed schedule of upcoming competitions.
The next FIFA tournament kicks off on Sept. 20, when the U-20 Women's World Cup gets underway in Poland. A total of 24 nations will compete, including six from the UEFA confederation that has threatened to pull out of all FIFA events.
France, England, Italy, Portugal, and Spain have all qualified alongside host nation Poland, and now find themselves in the difficult position of potentially having to withdraw.
The deadline for MAs to accept Infantino's proposal falls on Sept. 19 — the same day the U-20 Women's World Cup quarterfinals are scheduled. In theory, those six nations could begin the tournament while awaiting a final decision, only to withdraw partway through the knockout rounds.
Additionally, the qualifying playoffs for the 2027 Women's World Cup are set to take place in October.
"Wales is involved in the Women's World Cup playoffs this autumn, and it would mark our first-ever qualification for a World Cup," said UEFA vice-president and former Wales international Laura McAllister. "Nobody can even begin to think about missing out on that.
"But let's be clear — this is not a problem of UEFA's creation. FIFA is responsible for this situation. No one wants players or nations to suffer when it comes to the most prestigious competitions in the world.
"We've been backed into this corner, and that responsibility lies squarely with FIFA."