Fifa says 'nobody selling football' as it presses ahead with investment plan

What the report says

BBC World News reports that Fifa is pushing on with consultations over a proposal to bring private investment into a new commercial arm for its major competitions, despite strong opposition from regional football bodies. The governing body said concern over the plan had been fuelled by inaccurate media coverage and insisted that “nobody is selling football.”

According to the BBC, the proposal would create a subsidiary, Fifa Forward Enterprise, to manage commercial operations linked to Fifa’s main events, including World Cups. Fifa said outside parties could be invited to take minority, non-controlling stakes. The plan would require approval from Fifa’s 211 member associations, with president Gianni Infantino needing 106 votes in favour.

Opposition has emerged from Uefa, whose 55 European member associations voted on Thursday to boycott World Cups if Fifa advances the proposal. Concacaf, representing 41 associations across North and Central America and the Caribbean, also said its members rejected the idea. Together, those blocs account for 96 associations, a significant obstacle if they remain opposed.

Fifa said on Friday that it respected the public criticism and wanted an open consultation so each member association could decide based on facts. The dispute matters because it raises questions over who should control and benefit from the commercial growth of global football, especially the World Cup, and because a threatened boycott by major football regions would create a serious governance crisis if the proposal moves toward a vote.