FIFA President Gianni Infantino has put forward a defense for the organization’s initiative to sell minority stakes in a newly proposed commercial subsidiary that would oversee the FIFA World Cup and other significant tournaments. He emphasized that this plan is presented as an opportunity rather than a mandate for member associations. The proposal involves potentially offering up to a 20% stake to external investors, a move that has sparked considerable criticism from various continental football bodies.
Among the critics are UEFA, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation, all of which have voiced concerns regarding issues of transparency and governance. In response to these apprehensions, UEFA is convening an emergency meeting to establish a coordinated response. There are reports indicating that if the proposal proceeds without changes, some European associations are contemplating taking more forceful actions.
Infantino has assured that despite any external investment, FIFA will maintain full control over its competitions and governance. This reassurance comes as a response to the apprehensions expressed by member associations about the potential implications of bringing in external investors. The proposal is seen by FIFA as a strategic move to enhance the commercial aspect of its tournaments while keeping its central authority intact.
The deadline for FIFA’s 211 member associations to express their stance on the proposal is set for September 19. This timeline underscores the urgency and importance FIFA places on gauging the level of support for this initiative. The future of the plan hinges on the reactions and decisions of these member associations, which collectively hold significant influence over the direction the international football governing body takes.