Infantino’s World Cup privatisation plan in numbers | OneFootball

FIFA president Gianni Infantino has proposed an overhaul, creating FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) to privatise World Cup commercial rights and bring in private investors. It aims to boost funding for all 211 member associations.

The new unit would be valued at 20 billion dollars and pool media, sponsorship, ticketing, licensing and related income. FIFA says an initial 4.2 billion dollars could be raised by selling minority stakes without ceding governance. According to The Times, Infantino has tied higher funding to approval, warning that rejection would cut global aid by almost 75%.

Up to 30% of FFE could be sold to selected investors, with FIFA keeping sporting control and a majority shareholding. The body would remain a non-profit and retain control of the calendar, rules and competitions.

FIFA argues private capital could lift development spending above 10 billion dollars in coming cycles. From 2027 to 2030, each association would receive 20 million dollars via FIFA Forward, up from 8 million, plus up to 20 million more through a new FIFA Fast Forward Programme for infrastructure and strategic projects.

In a letter to federations, Infantino said associations could receive up to 86 million dollars over the next three cycles, compared with 3 million in equivalent periods before he took office.

The vote is due by 19 September. The plan would allow private capital into the men’s, women’s and Club World Cups, a step that has drawn strong opposition from UEFA, confederations, national federations and club groups.

Source: El Periódico Mediterráneo