FIFA's Controversial Plan to Sell World Cup Rights Sparks Backlash from UEFA and Football Community

FIFA President Gianni Infantino's proposal to sell shares of future World Cup commercial rights to private investors through a new subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), has ignited widespread criticism across the football world. The plan allows private investors to acquire up to 20% of the FFE, which is valued at $20 billion, while FIFA would retain majority ownership and maintain control over football regulations and the calendar.

European governing body UEFA has condemned the initiative as a crossing of a ‘‘line that should never be crossed,’’ underscoring that football should not be commodified. UEFA Vice President Gabriele Gravina stressed concern that the passion and essence of football risk being overshadowed by profit-driven motives. UEFA is reportedly considering an emergency meeting to discuss potential boycotts of the World Cup in response to these plans.

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter joined the critics, warning against the sale and highlighting potential conflicts of interest involving the US government. Blatter specifically noted the involvement of technology investor Joshua Kushner, connected through family ties to US President Donald Trump, in the negotiations. Blatter tweeted, “No one has the right to sell our sport.”

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham also voiced strong disapproval, emphasizing that “football belongs to the fans, not investors,” and called the World Cup ‘‘the greatest competition in the world’’ that should not be treated as a product.

International media have reacted largely negatively, with outlets from Argentina to the UK describing the plan as a "shameless sale" and the ‘‘greatest existential threat’’ to football. Concerns have been raised that such commercialization could undermine the integrity of the sport. Some reports noted that Infantino seeks to garner support from national federations by tripling their funding from $8 million to $24 million per four-year cycle, despite strained relationships with UEFA and its European member associations.

This controversy emerges shortly after the 2026 World Cup, throwing the future of one of football’s most prestigious events into uncertainty as calls for boycotts and official opposition gain momentum.