UEFA blasts FIFA plan to sell World Cup rights stake to investors
Why it matters: FIFA says the move could lift development funding above $10 billion, but UEFA warns it could drive further tournament expansion.
UEFA attacked FIFA’s plan to invite private investors into a new commercial venture that would hold rights tied to tournaments including the men’s and women’s World Cups and the Club World Cup. FIFA said the proposed subsidiary, Fifa Forward Enterprise, would seek minority, non-controlling investment and help expand football development funding to more than $10 billion, subject to approval by member associations. UEFA said the proposal “crosses a line” and argued that football’s governance should not be treated as a tradable asset. Reports cited by the outlets said the venture could be valued at about $20 billion, with Thrive Capital expected to lead the investor group. The issue could go to FIFA’s 211 members for a vote at the FIFA Congress in Morocco in March.