PARIS — FIFA announced on Friday, July 31, 2026, that it is scrapping its plan to introduce private investment into flagship events such as the World Cup and Club World Cup following fierce opposition from football officials worldwide.

The plan, floated earlier that week, aimed to raise up to US$4.2 billion through a new commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), valued at US$20 billion. If approved, it would have provided FIFA's 211 member associations with a one-off payment of US$20 million in early 2027 and increased their funding allocation for the 2027-2030 cycle from US$8 million to US$20 million.

However, the proposal was met with swift condemnation. UEFA, the governing body of European football, declared that none of its national teams would participate in FIFA competitions "for so long as these proposals remain alive." The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the North American and Caribbean federation (CONCACAF) also criticized the move.

Senior FIFA advisor Carlos Cordeiro resigned in protest, calling the plan "a bad deal for FIFA's member associations, a bad deal for football, and a bad deal for the long-term future of the game."

FIFA President Gianni Infantino stated, "Our purpose has always been - and will always be - to unite and improve." He added that the project was intended to strengthen member associations and would have proceeded only with majority support. After considering all feedback, Infantino acknowledged that the proposal had caused divisions detrimental to FIFA's objectives, leading to its cancellation.

Previously, FIFA had intended to continue consultations on private investment despite criticism, but the backlash ultimately led to the decision to halt the initiative.

Sources