UEFA pushes back against private investment in FIFA: Growing opposition

UEFA pushes back against private investment in FIFA: Growing opposition

FIFA sparked controversy on Tuesday by announcing its intention to open the door to private investment in its commercial division, particularly in relation to broadcasting and advertising around the World Cup. UEFA had already opposed the move, but on Wednesday it renewed its attack.

"Today we have learned of FIFA’s deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn. This says everything you need to know about this plan," a statement from the governing body read today.

"But having held discussions with many stakeholders across the game, UEFA knows there is significant and growing opposition to FIFA’s scheme. FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends. We can grow the game correctly. It’s time to prioritise associations, clubs, leagues, players and fans."

What is at stake

In an official statement sent to newsrooms, FIFA explained that it intends to “increase funding for football development to more than $10 billion (US dollars), subject to approval by FIFA’s Member Associations (MAs).”

The organisation says this increase would provide $20 million per MA as exceptional and immediate funding for special projects, under FIFA’s new Fast-Forward Programme (FFFP), $20 million per MA in advance funding for the 2027-2030 period, a further $22 million in advance for 2031-2034, and another $24 million in advance for 2035-2038.

“Our next phase of growth needs a purpose-built structure, in which football’s commercial side operates as a focused and dedicated business, with its value shared more broadly and effectively around the world. Every FIFA Member Association should have the opportunity to secure a fair share of the available funding to shape its own future, making its own decisions rather than depending on third parties. This is the democratisation of football on a global level,” said Gianni Infantino , FIFA president.

In the same statement, FIFA clarified that this would all be delivered through FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new subsidiary owned and controlled by FIFA that will consolidate the organisation’s commercial and event operations. FIFA guarantees that it intends to retain “exclusive control of the FFE and exclusive authority over football governance, competitions, the match calendar and all regulatory and sporting decisions.”

The body chaired by Gianni Infantino also said it aims to raise up to 4.2 billion US dollars this year to fund the FFFP, based on an initial equity valuation of 20 billion US dollars. To do so, it plans a “careful selection of long-term investors who will acquire minority, non-controlling stakes in the FFE.”

This would affect the whole issue of commercial rights — including television broadcasting, sponsorship, ticket sales and licensing — for FIFA competitions such as the World Cup, but not only that, as it would cover all youth and senior tournaments, in both the men’s and women’s game.

Shortly after FIFA’s announcement, UEFA had already condemned the decision, saying that “football is not for sale.”

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