Concacaf members unanimously reject FIFA plan to sell stake in World Cup

MIAMI, United States. Concacaf has unanimously rejected FIFA's proposal to sell a minority stake in the World Cup and other major tournaments to private investors.

The decision followed an emergency meeting of all 41 member associations after FIFA announced plans to sell up to 21 per cent of its new commercial entity, FIFA Forward Enterprises, for US$4.2 billion.

The proposal aimed to provide immediate funding for member associations, but Concacaf raised concerns about governance, transparency and FIFA's decision-making.

Sources also said many members had lost confidence in FIFA President Gianni Infantino's leadership.

'Lack of due process'

"The membership expressed deep concerns about the lack of due process surrounding the proposal, the artificially short deadline imposed, and the absence of any review or approval by the relevant FIFA governance bodies," Concacaf said in a statement.

It also questioned the need for private equity investment after "the most profitable FIFA World Cup in history".

Growing opposition

UEFA has threatened to boycott all FIFA competitions, including the World Cup, if the plan goes ahead, while the Asian Football Confederation criticised the lack of consultation. The African confederation has urged members to review the proposal.

Infantino said the proposal was optional and would require approval from a majority of FIFA's 211 member associations and the FIFA Council.

Concacaf has instructed its FIFA Council members to push for more regional development funding from FIFA's existing reserves and to ensure FIFA follows proper governance procedures.

The confederation's stance carries weight: its members hosted the 2025 Club World Cup and the 2026 men's World Cup, and the United States, Mexico, Jamaica and Costa Rica are set to co-host the 2031 Women's World Cup.