FIFA President Gianni Infantino has made a financial pitch to global football governing bodies, offering up to $40 million (£30 million) to each of FIFA’s 211 member associations if they back his proposal to sell minority stakes in the organization’s commercial rights—including the FIFA World Cup.
The lucrative offer, outlined in a five-page letter sent directly to national federations, comes amid swift backlash from major regional confederations like UEFA, who argue that the soul and governance of global football are being auctioned off to private equity.
Under Infantino’s proposal, member nations that formally approve the proposed sale of the minority stakes of FIFA will receive funds distributed in two primary tranches.
$20 million available immediately as of January 1, 2027, provided associations sign on by the September 19, 2026 deadline.
An additional $20 million in follow-up payouts tied to the commercial expansion.
However, member associations that vote against or fail to support the private investment plan will be locked out of the expanded funding model and will remain on the standard FIFA Forward allocation (~$10 million).
FIFA said it intends to generate these funds by creating a new commercial entity—FIFA Forward Enterprise—and liquidating a minority stake to external private investors. The broader plan is estimated to raise approximately $10 billion (£7.52 billion).
Meanwhile, UEFA, European football’s governing body, accused FIFA of using football “to enrich themselves and their friends”.
In a statement on Wednesday, UEFA said: “We have learned of Fifa’s deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn.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.”
Also, CONCACAF, which covers North and Central America and hosted this year’s World Cup, said in a statement: “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.”
