Updated by Faith Barbara N Ruhinda at 1231 EAT on  Friday 31 July 2026

FIFA says it will press ahead with consultations on a proposal to introduce private investment into the FIFA World Cup and its other competitions, despite threats of a boycott from European football’s governing body, UEFA, and sharp criticism from other regional confederations.

The Switzerland-based governing body said “inaccurate media reports” had disrupted its planned consultation process but insisted it would continue engaging stakeholders on the proposal.

“We will proceed with this consultation process to ensure that every Member Association (MA) has the opportunity to cast its vote based on the facts,” FIFA said in a statement issued on Friday during the European night.

FIFA is seeking to establish a $20 billion subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), to manage the commercial operations of the FIFA World Cup and its other competitions. Under the proposal, up to a 20 per cent stake in the entity would be offered to external investors.

FIFA said the proposed investor group is expected to be led by Thrive Eternal, a fund managed by Thrive Capital, which was founded by Joshua Kushner. Joshua Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, the son-in-law of US President Donald Trump.

UEFA leads opposition to World Cup investment plan

UEFA has emerged as the leading critic of the proposal, accusing FIFA of putting the “soul” of football up for sale.

On Thursday, UEFA’s 55 member associations unanimously voted to boycott all FIFA competitions, less than two weeks after Spain were crowned FIFA Women’s World Cup champions.

Rejecting the criticism, FIFA said: “Nobody is selling football. This is not something FIFA would ever entertain.”

The governing body added: “Everyone has the right to express their opposition and seek further clarification, but no single entity can claim to represent all 211 Member Associations around the world.”

The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) rejected the proposal during a meeting on Thursday. However, unlike UEFA, the 41-member regional body stopped short of threatening a boycott of FIFA competitions.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) also criticised the proposal in a strongly worded letter to its 47 member associations, warning that the plan would not succeed without the backing of all six continental confederations.

Football leaders voice concerns over World Cup investment plan

In a letter sent to all FIFA member associations this week, FIFA President Gianni Infantino said each association would receive $40 million if the proposal is approved by September 19. UEFA and CONCACAF together account for 96 of FIFA’s 211 member associations.

FIFA reiterated on Friday that it would not proceed with the plan without the support of a majority of its member associations.

“These principles underpin the FFE proposal: unprecedented development funding, truly global ownership of the commercial opportunities of our sport, and full self-determination through a democratic process for all Member Associations,” the governing body said.

Among those expressing concern was Spanish World Cup-winning coach Xabi Alonso, who said football should prioritise supporters over private financial interests.

“The way we love football is like this, and we have just seen a great World Cup. If things stay this way, then good. We have to defend the interests of all the people,” Alonso told reporters in Sydney.

“I think this is a common feeling among football people. We want to keep football for the fans, for everyone, not for other interests. So hopefully this will not happen,” he added.

-Aljazeera

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