FIFA Offers Member Nations $40m to Back New Commercial Plan
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has written to all 211 member associations, offering each of them up to $40 million if they support his controversial plan to sell minority stakes in FIFA’s major competitions.
According to a letter seen by the BBC, member associations that approve the proposal by 19 September will receive an initial $20 million from 1 January 2027. A further payment would follow later.
FIFA wants to create a new commercial company to manage its biggest competitions, including the FIFA World Cup. Private investors would be allowed to buy minority shares in the business.
In his letter, Infantino defended the proposal, saying it would help football grow around the world.
“It is my duty and responsibility as FIFA president to present such game-changing opportunities to you, our members,” Infantino said.
He added:
“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.”
The plan has already faced strong opposition from several football organisations, who say they were not properly consulted before the announcement.
A spokesperson for England’s Football Association said:
“We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is and what conditions are attached.”
The statement added:
“Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point.”
UEFA has also criticised the proposal, saying it had “crossed a line”. European football’s governing body plans to hold an emergency meeting with its 55 member associations later this week to discuss its response.
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) also expressed concern.
“We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process,” the organisation said.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) called for greater transparency.
“While the AFC recognises the importance of exploring innovative approaches that can strengthen the future of global football, initiatives of this scale and consequence must be founded upon the principles of good governance, transparency and meaningful consultation.”
La Liga president Javier Tebas accused Infantino of trying to win support ahead of the next FIFA Congress.
“It doesn’t seem like a reform. It seems like an electoral campaign financed with the future of football,” Tebas said.
Former FIFA president Sepp Blatter also criticised the proposal, writing on X:
“The close relationship between the FIFA president and the US President has reached a financial dimension that is deeply damaging football. No-one has the right to sell our game.”
The proposal has sparked one of the biggest debates in world football in recent years, with several football bodies demanding more consultation before any final decision is made.
