FIFA Says 'Nobody Is Selling Football' After UEFA, Concacaf Reject World Cup Investment Plan
FIFA has denied reports that it intends to sell the World Cup to private investors, clarifying that its proposed 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' is meant to increase development funding. The governing body stated that the consultation process was disrupted by inaccurate media coverage.
Why it matters
This clarifies the governance and commercial future of the world's most popular sporting event, addressing concerns about the potential privatization of football.
The football governing body said inaccurate media reports had disrupted its planned consultation on the proposal, prompting confusion about the objectives of the new commercial initiative.
The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) has denied reports that it plans to sell the FIFA World Cup to private investors, insisting that "nobody is selling football" following strong opposition from continental football bodies over its proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).
In a statement issued on Friday, FIFA acknowledged widespread concerns raised by football stakeholders and said it remained committed to an open and democratic consultation process with its 211 Member Associations (MAs).
"We have heard the feedback provided by the respective confederations in relation to the proposed establishment of FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) and would like to address the issues that have surfaced since the initial media reporting on Tuesday," FIFA said.
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