The United States and 41 other countries have joined together to say no to Gianni Infantino’s idea to sell off the FIFA World Cup, as announced in a recent statement.
The Confederation of North, Central American and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) has spoken out against FIFA’s plan to sell shares of its tournaments to private investors, especially after UEFA suggested boycotting the World Cup over the idea.
Earlier this week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino shared plans to invite third parties to buy small, non-controlling stakes in a new company called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would handle the commercial rights for all future tournaments. FIFA hopes to raise about £3.1 billion by selling these stakes, valuing FFE at around £15 billion. Infantino also promised to give £30 million to member associations that support his plan by September 19, with an initial payment of £15 million.
UEFA was very unhappy and accused FIFA of trying to “enrich themselves and their friends,” saying football “is not FIFA’s to sell.” On July 30, UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin led a meeting with all 55 member associations, including England, Spain, France, and Germany. Everyone agreed to support a boycott of FIFA tournaments, including the men’s and women’s World Cups, if Infantino’s plans go ahead.
For the plan to pass, all 211 FIFA member associations must vote on it. UEFA made it clear: “Europe’s position is simple. We will never support this model. No one should sell what they only hold in trust for future generations. None of UEFA’s national teams will take part in FIFA competitions as long as this plan is alive—unless it’s completely dropped and FIFA promises never to allow private ownership again. The FIFA World Cup belongs to football—and it always will.”
The English FA also spoke out against FIFA’s plan.
Later that day, Concacaf’s 41 member associations, including the USA, also rejected Infantino’s proposal. They asked FIFA’s Council to make sure proper procedures are followed. Concacaf posted a statement saying:
“Concacaf is a group brought together by our love of football. Over the past 10 years, we’ve built an organization based on service, transparency, and looking after football’s future. History shows what happens when those in charge lose sight of these values.
“Today, we met to discuss FIFA President Infantino’s proposal to create FIFA Forward Enterprise and sell shares in the World Cup to private investors. We have major concerns about the rushed timeline, the lack of proper review, and whether private investment is even needed after FIFA’s most profitable World Cup yet.
“This shows we need more transparency and better governance.
“For these reasons, Concacaf and its 41 members have:
• Rejected the proposal;
• Asked their FIFA Council members to work with FIFA to find ways to use FIFA’s existing funds to support football development in our region;
• Asked their FIFA Council members to ensure that any future matters follow the right governance steps, according to FIFA’s rules.
“Through this, Concacaf stands firm that football’s future and its greatest treasure belong to our football family.”