FIFA wants to bring in outside money, and UEFA has already said no. The plan, reported by Mezha, centers on a commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) that would oversee competitions including the Club World Cup.
FIFA said the FFE could raise up to $4.2 billion later this year to pay for development programs. The raise is based on an initial capital valuation of $20 billion and a careful choice of long-term investors, who would take minority, non-controlling stakes. Among the potential backers is Thrive Eternal, founded by Joshua Kushner. Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump, is also named.
What FIFA says
FIFA says it keeps control of the FFE and of regulatory and sporting decisions. All 211 national associations could opt in to the new financial opportunities, and each would be able to draw substantial sums through the FIFA Fast-Forward program. Gianni Infantino describes the approach as an attempt to democratize world football. A consultation has begun.
What UEFA says
UEFA’s reaction was sharp. “It is not FIFA’s prerogative to sell this. None of us owns football,” it said. It also argued that “the soul of football and its governance are not assets to be traded,” especially when it is unclear who benefits financially. UEFA urged every national association to reach its own conclusions and to take the proposal very seriously.
There is history here. In 2018 Infantino looked at an investment plan with SoftBank, which went nowhere after UEFA objected that it threatened the flagship tournaments.
What comes next
Talks continue among FIFA, its Council and the 211 federations. Hopes for more funding have risen after the record results of the 2026 World Cup. FIFA is also due to hold an online congress on November 23 to choose the hosts of the 2031 and 2035 women’s World Cups.
