FIFA has planned to propose the sale of stakes in its competitions to private investors, and also gets huge backing from FIFA president Gianni Infantino. As soon as the plan came to the surface it faced a backlash from UEFA and CONCACAF. Now AFC has also spread support for boycotting FIFA events if the proposed plans are not revoked. The 55 members of UEFA, including major nations like Germany, France, England and the World Champions Spain came to a decision, stating, “UEFA and its national associations will not participate in FIFA competitions.” A few moments after UEFA’s decision, CONCACAF with its 41 members said they will also reject the proposal. 

Now, AFC has also joined UEFA and CONCACAF’s decision stating, “ The FIFA World Cup is the pinnacle of global football and derives its strength from the participation of all Confederations and the world’s leading football nations, any proposal that risks undermining the unity and universal character of the competition must be reconsidered.”

What is FIFA’s new World Cup plan

The new FIFA plan backed by Gianni Infantino has faced strong backlash as the proposal asks to sell a stake in FIFA Forward Enterprises (FFE), a commercial entity linked to the future revenues of the FIFA World Cup. It will raise $20 billion from countries in exchange for influence over future broadcasting and commercial deals.

FIFA World Cup trophy with FIFA logo amid investment plan controversy.
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FIFA’s World Cup proposal faces growing opposition.| Representational Image

These plans will be bankrolled by Joshua Kushner who is the brother of U.S. President Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner.

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If approved, the proposal would give each of FIFA’s 211 member associations more than $80 million between now and 2037.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino has asked the associations to vote on the plan by September 19, and it will only be approved if it receives support from a majority of members.

Why does FIFA’s world cup plan trigger questions? 

The UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC accused FIFA and argued it was attempting to “sell football” without proper consultation or approval from its governance bodies, and questioned FIFA’s role They have also criticised the short deadline given to member associations to vote on the proposal, calling it a failure of transparency and leadership.

Gianni Infantinno has backed the new FIFA World Cup plans.
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Gianni Infantinno’s approach to the new FIFA World Cup plans triggered questions. | X

UEFA has gone a step further by threatening to boycott future FIFA competitions until the proposal is withdrawn, warning that the World Cup should never become a commercial asset controlled by private investors.

FIFA, however, has denied these claims, insisting that no one is selling football and blaming media reports for creating a misunderstanding.

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FAQ

Q1. Why are UEFA, CONCACAF and AFC opposing FIFA’s proposal?
A: They believe it could commercialise the World Cup and lacks transparency.

Q2. What is FIFA’s new World Cup proposal?
A: FIFA plans to sell a stake in future World Cup revenues through FIFA Forward Enterprises.