UEFA has rejected FIFA’s proposal to sell minority stakes in a newly created commercial subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), warning that football’s governance should not be treated as a commercial asset.
FIFA said the new company, valued at $20 billion, would oversee its commercial and event operations while the governing body retains control of competitions, regulations and football governance. The plan aims to raise up to $4.2 billion from external investors to boost football development programmes and increase funding for its 211 member associations.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said the initiative would allow the organisation to reinvest football’s growing commercial value into the global game, with member associations expected to receive increased development funding of up to $20 million during the 2027–2030 cycle.
However, UEFA strongly opposed the proposal, insisting that football’s governance and identity should never be put up for sale. The European governing body also questioned the lack of transparency over potential investors, warning that the move could undermine the future of the sport. The disagreement is the latest sign of growing tensions between FIFA and UEFA over the direction of global football.
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