Tensions are rising over FIFA’s new commercial plan. Amid talk of a World Cup boycott, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has given the 211 member football federations a deadline of September 19 to inform him of their decision on the proposed plan.
In a letter sent to member federations on Wednesday, Infantino said the plan would launch a $10 billion funding package if approved, while the current $2.7 billion FIFA Forward Development Programme would remain in place if the proposal is rejected.
In the letter, Infantino wrote, “As FIFA President, it is my responsibility to present such a groundbreaking opportunity to the members. If you accept this proposal, the $10 billion package will take effect from January 1, 2027. And if you wish to maintain the current system, the previously announced $2.7 billion development programme will continue.”
If the new plan is approved, each member federation will be eligible for up to $40 million in financial assistance. Of this, $20 million will be provided as a one-time “Fast Forward” fund, and a further $20 million will come from the FIFA Forward development programme for the 2027-30 cycle.
Earlier, on Tuesday, Infantino announced plans to create a new commercial entity called “FIFA Forward Enterprise.” As part of this plan, FIFA wants to create a new subsidiary worth $20 billion, 20 percent of which will be owned by private investors. The company will manage FIFA’s commercial activities and tournaments, including the World Cup and Club World Cup, going forward.
The plan has been met with widespread criticism since its announcement. European football’s governing body, UEFA, is holding an emergency meeting of its 55 member nations on Thursday to oppose the plan. According to ESPN, UEFA is considering measures such as boycotting future World Cups if necessary.
After Infantino’s deadline was announced, UEFA issued a strong statement, saying, “The message that the one-time financial support will be cancelled if the proposal is not supported reveals the true nature of this plan. Having spoken with various football stakeholders, we understand that opposition to FIFA’s plan is rapidly growing. FIFA should not use football as a means of enriching itself and its close associates.”
CONCACAF, the governing body for football in North and Central America and the Caribbean, also expressed concern about the new plan on Wednesday. “We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process,” CONCACAF said in a statement.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has not raised any objections. It said in a statement that its president, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, will convene a meeting of the CAF executive committee next week to assess FIFA’s proposal.
The statement added, “CAF is committed to continuing to engage and work together with FIFA, other football confederations, and stakeholders to support increased financial and other resources for the development and growth of football in Africa and around the world.”
