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FIFA has issued a strong response to the growing criticism over its controversial World Cup spin-off proposal, insisting that “nobody is selling football.” The world governing body said reports in the media had misrepresented the plan and repeated that it remains committed to a democratic decision-making process.

FIFA addresses World Cup controversy

FIFA has now formally responded to the intense opposition surrounding its proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project. In a public statement, the governing body tried to clarify what it called “incorrect media reports” that, according to FIFA, disrupted the consultation process it had intended to carry out.

The disputed proposal, backed by FIFA president Gianni Infantino, centres on moving commercial and operational event activities into a subsidiary organisation. FIFA has strongly rejected the suggestion that this amounts to a commercial sale of the sport’s biggest assets, as it looks to calm rising anger across football.

“Nobody is selling football. This is not something FIFA would ever entertain,” the statement read.

Unprecedented funding promised to member FAs

In an effort to convince doubtful federations, FIFA detailed major financial benefits linked to the proposed subsidiary. The organisation said every member association (MA) would receive $20 million in FIFA Forward Development funding between 2027 and 2030, whether or not they support the proposal.

In addition, a separate voluntary “FIFA Fast Forward Programme” would provide a one-time payment of another $20 million for each association. FIFA said this extra money would be supported by outside investment while leaving the overall governance structure of the sport unchanged.

“The commercial value created would be shared among all 211 MAs, enabling each MA to make meaningful investments in football in their respective countries,” the statement added.

FIFA stresses democratic principles

Responding to criticism from UEFA and other confederations that felt they had been caught off guard, FIFA said the proposal is still open to full debate and a vote. The organisation insisted that no single regional body has the authority to block a proposal on behalf of all 211 member associations.

“Everyone has the right to express their opposition and to seek further clarification but no single entity can claim to represent all 211 MAs around the world,” FIFA stated. “Each MA should be allowed to review the proposal and have a say in shaping their own future. These are the democratic principles of FIFA.”

FIFA also made clear that the elements made public so far are only the beginning of the consultation process. Member associations will have the democratic authority to approve, reject or amend the terms, either individually or as a whole.

What happens next in the World Cup saga?

The future of the FIFA Forward Enterprise project now depends entirely on whether Infantino can persuade a majority of member associations to support the venture. FIFA confirmed that if the proposal does not win majority backing, its commercial operations will stay exactly as they are now.

“Without the support of the majority of MAs, FIFA's commercial activities would remain unchanged. FFE would not be established,” the governing body confirmed.

With continental confederations still sharply split over concerns about the rushed timeline and governance issues, the upcoming consultation process will decide the commercial future of international football.