UEFA is leading the increasing opposition to a plan by FIFA to create FIFA Forward Enterprise,
The FIFA Forward Enterprise would be a new FIFA-owned and controlled subsidiary consolidating FIFA’s commercial and event operations, including the FIFA World Cup. FIFA said it would retain sole control of FFE and exclusive authority over football governance, competitions, match calendar, and all regulatory and sporting decisions.
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As part of FFE, FIFA plans to establish the FIFA Fast Forward Programme (FFFP), an optional mechanism that would allow MAs to unlock additional development funding. This would unlock new opportunities for projects such as stadiums and national training centres, and other long-term infrastructure that may otherwise sit beyond the reach of a single development cycle.
FIFA said in a statement on Tuesday that football development in every corner of the world would benefit immediately from increased funding available to all 211 FIFA Member Associations (MAs) should the plan to create FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) be approved.
The increased funding would be as follows:
(i) An optional USD 20 million per MA in exceptional and immediate funding for special projects from the new FIFA Fast Forward Programme (FFFP),
(ii) USD 20 million per MA in Forward funding for 2027-2030 (currently budgeted USD 8 million),
(iii) USD 22 million per MA in Forward funding for 2031-2034, and (iv) USD 24 million per MA in Forward funding for 2035-2038
FIFA would offer each of the 211 MAs the opportunity to participate in FFFP to access up to USD 20 million in one-off capital. Participation would be entirely voluntary, and no MA would be required to participate.
The additional funding would be financed through FFE’s planned initial capital raise of up to USD 4.2 billion. This would be based on an implied valuation of USD 20 billion. Any net benefits of FFE would be fully reinvested back into football.
FIFA said it will invite third parties to make minority, non-controlling investments in FFE, adding that subject to final agreements and required approvals, Thrive Eternal, a permanent capital holding company, would lead the proposed investor group for FFE. The Founder & Managing Partner of Thrive Eternal is Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law.
In a statement on Tuesday, UEFA said
“This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. UEFA takes it extremely seriously. So should every national football association. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game.”
“The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially.”
“None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell.”
Meanwhile following reports that FIFA’s 211 member associations have been given a deadline of 19 September to decide whether to apply for an initial payment of $20m from the proceeds of its plan to sell off stakes in the World Cup to private investors on Wednesday, UEFA said
“Today we have learned of FIFA’s deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn. This says everything you need to know about this plan.”
“But having held discussions with many stakeholders across the game, UEFA knows there is significant and growing opposition to FIFA’s scheme. FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends. We can grow the game correctly. It’s time to prioritise associations, clubs, leagues, players and fans.”
The Asian Football Confederation stated
“The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has noted FIFA’s announcement concerning the proposed establishment of FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).”
“The AFC was not consulted on the proposal and is disappointed that a matter of such significance entered the public domain before the AFC family had been afforded the opportunity to examine and discuss it through the appropriate and established governance channels.”
“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. Decisions that may reshape the commercial and financial future of the game require comprehensive prior engagement with Confederations, Member Associations and other relevant stakeholders before any proposal is made to the appropriate decision-making body(ies).”
“The AFC firmly believes that all stakeholders should be provided with sufficient information and adequate time to assess the proposal in full, including its governance, legal, commercial and strategic implications. Such a process is essential to ensuring that any decision reflects the collective interests of the global football community and reinforces confidence in FIFA’s governance framework.”
“As one of global football’s six Confederations, the AFC remains committed to the continued growth of world football.”
On the other hand, CONCACAF said it was only made aware of this matter through media reports and, subsequently, via a media release.
“We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process.”
“We share the disappointment of many within our region and the game that this level of detail has been designed and shared publicly before any discussion with the relevant governance bodies and stakeholders has taken place.”
“As leaders within football, we are the custodians of the game. Collectively, FIFA, the Confederations and every Member Association have a responsibility to always act in the best interests of the sport. Every decision we make must be guided by good governance, robust processes and long-term stewardship.”
“This is the framework within which Concacaf operates. We trust that all within the FIFA family will act in the same manner.”