Published July 29, 2026
FIFA’s bombshell proposal to sell a $20 billion stake in its commercial subsidiary has drawn strong criticism from soccer’s regional federations, which say it blindsided the global governing body’s plans to bring private investors into the game.
The Confederation of North, Central America and the Caribbean (CONCACAF) and the Asian Confederation (AFC) issued a scathing condemnation on Wednesday, saying they learned of FIFA’s share sale proposal through media reports rather than through official channels.
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FIFA announced on Tuesday that it plans to create a $20 billion subsidiary to run the World Cup and other events and offer up to 20% of its stake to outside investors.
Under the plan, FIFA would establish Forward Enterprises to oversee commercial and event operations. FIFA, which this year hosted the largest 48-team World Cup in the tournament’s history in the United States, Canada and Mexico, will retain control of the company while offering a minority stake to private investors to raise up to $4.2 billion.
CONCACAF points out ‘lack of due process’ by FIFA
“CONCACAF first learned of this matter through media reports and subsequent media releases. We are deeply concerned about the lack of due process,” it said in a statement.
“We share the disappointment of many in the region that this level of detail was designed and shared publicly before discussions had taken place with relevant governing bodies and stakeholders.
“As leaders in football, we are the custodians of the game. FIFA, the federations and our member associations collectively have a responsibility to act in the best interests of the sport at all times.”
“Every decision we make must be based on good governance, robust processes and long-term stewardship.”
The AFC said it recognized the importance of “considering innovative approaches” but was disappointed that such an important proposal was announced before the federation had a chance to consider the plans.
“Such efforts should be based on principles of good governance, transparency and meaningful consultation,” the report said.
“Decisions that have the potential to reshape the commercial and financial future of the game require comprehensive up-front engagement with federations, member associations and other relevant stakeholders before proposals are made to the appropriate decision-making bodies,” the AFC added.
“AFC strongly believes that all stakeholders should be provided with sufficient information and sufficient time to fully assess proposals, including their governance, legal, commercial and strategic implications.”
AFC has 47 member associations and CONCACAF has 41 member associations.
Together with UEFA’s 55 member associations, this means that 143 of the 211 member federations have criticized or expressed concerns about the proposal.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said: “Our job is to enable the rest of the world of football to grow together. FIFA exists to support sustainable and inclusive development in all corners of the world.”
France and UK react to FIFA move
The backlash spread to national governing bodies, with French Football Federation president Philippe Diallo saying his association had not been informed.
“If you look at that direction, which I understand is specifically to introduce investment funds into commercial entities alongside FIFA, there are obviously a lot of questions that arise,” he told France’s Inter radio station.
“Especially because we, the member federations, are not involved and we lack the concrete information we need to consider issues that are clearly fundamental to the future of football.”
The English Football Association (FA) said it had “no knowledge” of the proposal and had no substantive details.
“Based on the limited information we have, we are deeply concerned by the lack of process and governance that led to this, and the clear substance and principles involved,” the FA said in a statement.
“We will clarify our position and comment further once the proposal has been shared in the full and transparent manner FIFA has committed to.”
UEFA meeting up for discussion
FIFA’s move sparked a furious reaction from UEFA, which accused world football’s governing body of putting the “soul” of the game up for sale.
UEFA is considering holding an emergency meeting with its 55 member associations this week to discuss FIFA’s proposals, according to widespread reports, adding that the meeting will be held virtually and will aim to develop a plan of action for Europe’s football governing body.
A boycott of FIFA competitions is understood to be on the table as a possible response.
European Union sports commissioner Glenn Micallef said he was concerned that FIFA’s regulatory powers could align with the economic interests of private organizations.
“When the value of an investment depends on FIFA decisions, serious questions arise about governance, independence and conflicts of interest,” he wrote about X.
