FIFA has officially rejected claims that it intends to sell the World Cup to private financial entities. The governing body clarified that a new commercial project, known as the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), is meant to increase funding for global football development rather than hand over control of the tournament.
Addressing reports from Friday, the organization stated that recent coverage misrepresented the FFE, which caused unnecessary alarm among its 211 Member Associations. FIFA emphasized that the plan would keep full ownership and governance under its own authority, ensuring that the organization remains in charge of decision-making.
The proposed subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, would focus on event management and commercial activities to boost revenue for the sport. Participation in this venture would be entirely voluntary for national associations. Regardless of their choice to join, all members are guaranteed 20 million dollars in development funding for the period between 2027 and 2030. Additionally, a new FIFA Fast Forward Programme could offer a one-time payment of 20 million dollars backed by external investors.
FIFA promised to continue discussions with its members, noting that the project will only move forward if it gains majority support. If that backing is not secured, the current commercial structure will stay as it is. This response comes following pushback from various stakeholders, including CONCACAF, and the resignation of former adviser Carlos Cordeiro.
