FIFA Clarifies: 'Football Is Not for Sale' After Opposition From 96 Member Associations

FIFA has officially responded to growing criticism over its proposed restructuring of commercial operations, insisting that neither football nor the FIFA World Cup is being sold. The statement comes after 96 football associations, including UEFA's 55 members and 41 associations from the CONCACAF region, voiced concerns over the proposal.

In a statement released on Friday, FIFA said the initiative is designed to strengthen its commercial structure while generating additional revenue to support football development across its 211 member associations. The governing body emphasized that the plan is intended to increase investment in the global game—not transfer ownership of its competitions or commercial rights.

At the center of the proposal is the creation of FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a wholly owned FIFA subsidiary that would oversee the organization's commercial and event management activities. According to FIFA, recent media reports have created confusion about the project, leading to misunderstandings and disrupting the consultation process with member associations.

FIFA stressed that the proposal remains under review and that every member association will have the opportunity to examine it before any final decision is made through a democratic voting process.

The organization also rejected claims that it intends to sell football or the FIFA World Cup.

"Nobody is selling football. This is simply not something FIFA has ever considered," the governing body said in its statement.

FIFA further argued that each of its 211 member associations has an independent right to evaluate the proposal and express its position. It also noted that no single continental confederation can speak on behalf of the entire FIFA membership.

Under the proposed framework, every member association would receive US$20 million in development funding through the FIFA Forward Development Programme between 2027 and 2030. In addition, FIFA is considering launching an optional FIFA Fast Forward Programme, which would make another US$20 million available as a one-time development fund for participating members.

Despite outlining the financial benefits, FIFA made it clear that the restructuring will only move forward if it receives majority approval from its member associations. If the required support is not secured, the proposal could be amended or rejected altogether, with the final outcome determined through a vote by FIFA's members.