FIFA says ‘nobody is selling football’ after UEFA threatens to boycott World Cup
FIFA is facing backlash from UEFA and other confederations over a proposal to sell stakes in a new commercial entity called FIFA Forward Enterprise. Despite the criticism, FIFA maintains that it is not selling the sport and intends to continue its consultation process.
Why it matters
The dispute highlights significant tensions between global football governing bodies regarding the commercialization and governance of the sport.
FIFA insists "nobody is selling football" amid criticism of its decision to launch a consultation on selling stakes in a World Cup commercial entity to private investors.
However, football's global governing body stopped short of withdrawing the controversial plan and insisted it would press ahead with the consultation period.
UEFA reacted furiously when the plans to create FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) first emerged in media reports in The Times and the Financial Times on Tuesday.
Less than 48 hours later, UEFA's 55 member associations insisted they would not participate in any FIFA tournament until the plan was withdrawn.
In a statement released on Friday morning, FIFA said: "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.
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