World football governing body FIFA has defended its controversial proposal to introduce private investment into the FIFA World Cup, insisting that “nobody is selling football” despite growing opposition from UEFA and other continental football bodies, which have threatened to boycott FIFA competitions if the plan moves forward.

The global football governing body made its position known in a statement released on Friday, saying it remained committed to an open consultation process on the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a commercial subsidiary that would oversee the commercial operations of the FIFA World Cup and other major tournaments.

FIFA says football is not for sale

Responding directly to criticism that the proposal amounts to selling football to private investors, FIFA rejected the claim and insisted the sport’s integrity would never be compromised.

“Nobody is selling football. This is not something FIFA would ever entertain,” the organisation said.

FIFA explained that the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise is aimed at expanding commercial opportunities for all of its 211 member associations while preserving the governance, values and spirit of the game.

According to the governing body, the initiative is intended to create new revenue streams that can be invested in football development across the world, particularly in countries with fewer financial resources.

Governing body pledges open consultation

FIFA acknowledged the concerns raised by continental confederations and said their views would be considered as discussions continue.

“We have heard the feedback provided by the respective confederations,” the statement read.

“We respect the feedback and concern aired in public and reaffirm our commitment to an open and democratic consultation.”

The organisation added that consultations would continue to ensure every member association has the opportunity to study the proposal carefully before voting.

“We will proceed with this consultation process to ensure that each member association has the ability to express its vote based on facts,” FIFA stated.

The governing body also dismissed suggestions that the proposal had already been approved, stressing that no final decision would be taken without majority support from its member associations.

UEFA leads growing opposition

The statement comes just a day after UEFA’s 55 member associations unanimously agreed to boycott FIFA competitions if the governing body proceeds with plans to sell a minority stake in its proposed commercial arm to private investors.

UEFA believes the proposal could significantly alter the governance structure of world football and has questioned the level of consultation carried out before the plan was unveiled.

The opposition is not limited to Europe. CONCACAF has also rejected the proposal, while the Asian Football Confederation criticised FIFA for what it described as insufficient engagement with continental football authorities before announcing the initiative.

The growing resistance has raised concerns over the possibility of a major split within global football should FIFA decide to proceed without broader consensus.

Infantino’s proposal under scrutiny

The controversy centres on FIFA president Gianni Infantino’s proposal to establish the FIFA Forward Enterprise, a new commercial entity that would manage the business interests of the World Cup and other FIFA competitions.

Under the proposal, American investment firm Thrive Eternal is expected to lead a consortium seeking to acquire a minority stake in the venture.

Supporters of the plan argue that bringing in private investment could significantly increase commercial revenues and provide unprecedented funding for football development programmes around the world.

Critics, however, fear that private investors could gain undue influence over football’s biggest competitions and potentially shift decision-making away from the interests of member associations and supporters.

FIFA insists members will decide

Despite the backlash, FIFA has maintained that the consultation process remains ongoing and that no agreement has been finalised.

The governing body stressed that every one of its 211 member associations would have the opportunity to review the proposal and participate in deciding its future.

“Each Member Association should be allowed to review the proposal and have a say in shaping their own future,” FIFA said.

With opposition from UEFA, CONCACAF and concerns expressed by the Asian Football Confederation, the coming months are expected to determine whether FIFA can build enough support for one of the most significant commercial reforms in the history of world football.