FIFA President Gianni Infantino has given the organisation’s 211 member associations until September 19 to decide on a controversial private investment proposal that could provide up to $40 million in funding for each federation.
In a letter sent to member associations, Infantino said approval of the plan would unlock a $10 billion funding package from January 1, 2027.
However, if the proposal is rejected, FIFA said it would proceed with its already announced $2.7 billion FIFA Forward development programme.
The proposal would create a new $20 billion FIFA subsidiary, with private investors taking a 20 per cent stake, to oversee the commercial operations of FIFA competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups and the Club World Cup.
Under the proposed arrangement, each member association could receive up to $20 million in one-time “Fast Forward” funding, in addition to another $20 million through the FIFA Forward programme during the 2027–2030 cycle.
Infantino described the proposal as a “singular and unique funding opportunity” in his letter to the associations, urging them to support what he called a transformative move for global football.
The investment plan is reportedly backed by Thrive Capital, the investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of United States President Donald Trump.
The proposal has sparked strong opposition from several football stakeholders, with UEFA preparing an emergency meeting involving its 55 member associations after learning of FIFA’s deadline.
UEFA has criticised the plan, arguing that FIFA’s approach could pressure national associations by tying additional funding to approval of the investment proposal.
The European football body insisted that football’s biggest competitions “are not an asset to trade”, while questioning the level of consultation and transparency behind the initiative.
Concerns have also been raised by the The Football Association and CONCACAF over governance issues surrounding the proposal.
Some figures in women’s football have warned that increased commercial focus could affect player welfare and slow the long-term growth of the women’s game.
The latest disagreement adds to rising tensions between FIFA and several major football stakeholders, with critics accusing Infantino’s administration of pushing through major initiatives without enough consultation.
The controversy has also revived discussions about possible resistance from UEFA, including the option of a future World Cup boycott if disagreements over FIFA’s direction continue.
