Explained: FIFA’s proposed commercial company to sell a stake in World Cup revenues | OneFootball

According to L'Équipe, FIFA plans a subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise, to house its most lucrative rights. It aims to sell about 20% to private investors for $4.2 billion and double funding to its 211 members in 2027-2030.

UEFA, several confederations and FIFPRO have condemned the process and substance, raising the prospect of a boycott of FIFA events.

In such models, TV rights, sponsorship, hospitality and ticketing are carved into a separate vehicle that is easier to value. It sells a minority for immediate cash, and investors bet on future growth, though FIFA has not detailed how gains would be shared.

FFE would pool income from the men’s and women’s World Cups, the Club World Cup and other tournaments. FIFA says ownership and control would remain with the federation, with governance unchanged, arguing it is selling a slice of future earnings, not the World Cup.

The sale would help lift grants. Each federation could receive up to $40 million over four years if approved, with an extra $20 million via the FIFA Fast Forward programme for those backing the reform by 19 September.

Precedents include the LFP’s 2022 sale of 13% to CVC for €1.5 billion and La Liga’s 2021 deal, 10% for €2.7 billion. Opponents fear intensified commercialisation, more matches, altered formats and extra ad inventory, echoed by 2026 cooling breaks aligned to some broadcasters’ slots. They also warn the redistribution could sway votes and bolster Gianni Infantino’s influence.

Source: L'Équipe