FIFA will continue consultations on proposed 'private' World Cup
FIFA says it will continue consultations over a proposed commercial arm that could sell minority stakes in competitions; UEFA and CONCACAF have protested.
31 July 2026 — FIFA says it will press ahead with consultations over a controversial plan to create a commercial subsidiary and allow outside investors to buy minority stakes in its competitions, including the World Cup.
The proposal would establish a new vehicle, named FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to take over commercial management of FIFA’s flagship events. FIFA says any external participation would be limited to "minority investments without governance rights," and that the move is intended to expand the commercial opportunities available to national associations.
Strong pushback from Europe and CONCACAF
The proposal has prompted a fierce reaction from regional federations: all 55 UEFA members have warned they would boycott the World Cup if FIFA proceeds, and CONCACAF has also rejected the idea outright.
Approval requires 106 of FIFA’s 211 members. Given that UEFA and CONCACAF together represent a total of 96 confederations that strongly oppose the plan, the result of any vote is highly uncertain.
In a statement published on the morning of 31 July 2026, FIFA insisted that "Nobody is selling football." The organisation added that "Inaccurate media reports have undermined the planned consultation process."
FIFA said it respects the public’s concerns and remains committed to an "open and democratic dialogue." It also argued the FFE proposal was put forward to "give every national association the chance to harness football’s commercial potential in their countries, without jeopardising the spirit and the way FIFA and football are governed as a whole."
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