ZURICH: FIFA has issued a clarification after concerns and objections were raised regarding its proposed commercial project, saying inaccurate media reports had created misunderstandings during the consultation process.
In an official statement, football’s world governing body said it is seeking feedback from all 211 member associations based on factual information and stressed that the consultation process should not be influenced by misleading reports.
FIFA stated that no single organization can claim to represent all 211 member associations, emphasizing that decisions on the proposal will be made collectively through consultations with its members.
Responding to criticism, the organization rejected suggestions that it intended to sell football or relinquish control over its commercial operations.
“Football is not for sale, and FIFA will never do that,” the statement said.
According to FIFA, the proposal involves conducting commercial activities through a subsidiary known as FIFA Forward Enterprise. The governing body clarified that the proposed subsidiary would remain fully owned and controlled by FIFA, with no change to its governance structure.
The statement added that the objective of the initiative is to generate greater commercial revenue, which would then be distributed among all 211 FIFA member associations.
Under the proposal, each member association would receive US$20 million in FIFA Forward funding during the 2027–2030 funding cycle, providing additional financial support for football development programs worldwide.
FIFA also emphasized that even if external investment is secured, the organization’s ownership, governance, and decision-making authority would remain unchanged.
The governing body further clarified that the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise would not be established unless it receives the support of a majority of member associations.
It added that any decision to approve, amend, or reject the proposal would be taken only after comprehensive consultations with its members, ensuring that the final outcome reflects the collective views of FIFA’s global membership.
The clarification comes as FIFA continues discussions with national football associations over the proposed restructuring of its commercial operations, with the organization seeking to reassure members that its governance and commitment to football development will remain intact.
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