FIFA president Gianni Infantino has written to all 211 member associations, offering up to $40 million (£30 million) to those that support his controversial proposal to sell stakes in the governing body’s major competitions.
According to a five-page letter seen by the BBC on Wednesday, Infantino said member associations that approve the plan by September 19 would be eligible to receive an initial $20 million (£15 million) from January 1, 2027, with a further $20 million to follow.
The proposal involves the creation of a commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, which would manage the organisation’s flagship competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups and the Club World Cup. External investors would be allowed to acquire minority stakes in the new company.
According to Infantino, the initiative could generate up to $10 billion (£7.52 billion) to expand funding for football development around the world.
“It is my duty and responsibility as FIFA president to present such game-changing opportunities to you, our members.
“It is equally my duty and responsibility to ensure such proposals are sufficiently complete and feasible, replete with substantiated figures and clear terms to assist you in the decision-making process,” Infantino wrote.
FIFA said the initial funding would come from “liquidating a minority portion” of its stake in FIFA Forward Enterprise.
The proposal has, however, sparked strong opposition from several football bodies, with critics questioning both the governance process and the potential influence of private investors over the sport’s biggest competitions.
The Football Association said it had not been consulted before the proposal was unveiled and expressed concern over the lack of transparency.
“We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is and what conditions are attached,” an FA spokeswoman said.
“Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved.
“When the proposal is shared fully and transparently now promised by FIFA, we will make our views clear and comment further.”
The latest development comes less than a day after FIFA’s proposal prompted widespread criticism from football authorities in Europe, Asia and North America, with opponents warning it could reshape the governance and commercial future of the game.
PUNCH Online had reported that UEFA’s 55 member associations will hold an emergency meeting later this week to discuss FIFA’s controversial proposal to sell stakes in its major competitions to external investors.
