FIFA Denies Plans to Sell World Cup to Investors

FIFA has firmly denied reports suggesting it plans to sell the FIFA World Cup to private investors. In a statement released on Friday, FIFA clarified that the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative is intended to generate additional funding for football development, not to relinquish control of the tournament.

FIFA stated that the initiative aims to help national football associations benefit from commercial opportunities while preserving FIFA’s ownership and governance. Each member association is set to receive US$20 million in FIFA Forward development funding between 2027 and 2030, regardless of participation in the initiative.

FIFA also proposed a one-off US$20 million payment through a new FIFA Fast Forward Programme, funded by external investment. Participation in the scheme will be voluntary, and member associations will not have to surrender any rights over FIFA’s commercial operations.

FIFA emphasized that the initiative will proceed only with majority support from its Member Associations. The clarification follows criticism from stakeholders, including CONCACAF, and the resignation of former FIFA adviser Carlos Cordeiro over concerns related to the initiative.