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WM 2026July 31, 2026

FIFA denies rumors about selling World Cup rights

FIFA made it clear in a statement that it has no plans to sell World Cup rights to private companies and reiterated its willingness to have open discussions with member associations.

FIFA denies rumors about selling World Cup rights

FIFA denies rumors about selling World Cup rights

According to Championship.

Background

FIFA made it clear in its statement that it will not be influenced by false reports and that football remains in the hands of the member associations. The FFE initiative was created to ensure that all 211 member associations have a voice and can participate in the financial opportunities of football in their countries. This shows FIFA's commitment to managing the World Cup and other tournaments in the spirit of football.

Why this is important

FIFA's clarification on the rumors about the sale of World Cup rights is crucial to increasing the confidence of member associations and the public. At a time when the focus is on the allocation of rights for major tournaments such as the 2026 World Cup, it is important that FIFA demonstrates its integrity and commitment to football. This transparency could also help avoid future misunderstandings and speculation.

Key findings

  • FIFA denies rumors about selling World Cup rights.
  • FIFA made it clear in a statement that it has no plans to sell World Cup rights to private companies and reiterated its willingness to hold open discussions with member associations.
  • «Niкто does not promote football». ФИФА выступила заявлением поводу продажи доли прав на ЧМ.
FIFA recently released an official statement strongly denying rumors of selling rights to the World Cup and other major tournaments to private companies. The letter states that FIFA takes seriously and respects the concerns and feedback expressed by the public. "FIFA reiterates its commitment to open and democratic consultations. False media reporting has disrupted the planned discussion process. We have listened to the feedback provided by the relevant confederations on the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) concept. We will continue discussions to demonstrate that each FIFA member association has the opportunity to express its opinion based on facts," FIFA said in its statement. The FFE was proposed with the sole aim of ensuring that all FIFA member associations could have a significant stake in the commercial opportunities of football in their countries. However, it is emphasized that this move is in no way intended to jeopardize the spirit or management system of FIFA or football as a whole. Image "No one sells football. FIFA will never consider such an offer. Everyone has the right to express their dissatisfaction and ask for further explanations, but no organization can claim to represent all 211 international associations. Each association must have the opportunity to consider the offer and express its opinion on its future. These are the democratic principles of FIFA," FIFA continued. FIFA plans to transfer the commercial and operational activities related to the organization of events to its subsidiary FFE, which will remain owned and continuously controlled by FIFA. The profits are distributed among all 211 international associations, allowing each association to make significant investments in football in their countries. Without the support of the majority, FIFA's commercial activity will remain unchanged. The FFE program will not be launched. Proposals may be approved, rejected or modified in whole or in part. We are starting consultations and are open to discussions," FIFA concluded. It is worth noting that UEFA and CONCACAF had previously unanimously announced a boycott against the upcoming reforms. The member states of these organizations had threatened to boycott the competitions if the new regulations were approved.

What happens next

FIFA plans to continue discussions with member associations to take into account their concerns and suggestions. This could lead to a revision of the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) concept, which aims to give associations greater participation in football's commercial opportunities. FIFA will continue to emphasize that football is not for sale and that the interests of all member associations must be protected.

Frequently asked questions

What has FIFA recently confirmed?

FIFA has confirmed that it strongly rejects rumors about the sale of World Cup rights to private companies.

Who denied the rumors about the sale of World Cup rights?

FIFA has denied the rumors about the sale of World Cup rights.

Why has FIFA released a statement now?

FIFA has released a statement to take concerns and feedback from the public seriously and to correct false reporting.

What changes is FIFA planning with the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE)?

FIFA is planning with FIFA Forward En terprise (FFE) that all member associations can have a significant stake in the commercial opportunities of football in their countries.

How is FIFA responding to public discontent?

FIFA emphasizes that everyone has the right to express dissatisfaction and request further explanations and that it takes member associations' feedback seriously.

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Häufig gestellte Fragen

What has FIFA recently confirmed?
FIFA has confirmed that it strongly rejects rumors about selling World Cup rights to private companies.
Who denied the rumors about the sale of World Cup rights?
FIFA has denied rumors about the sale of World Cup rights.
Why has FIFA released a statement now?
FIFA has released a statement to take concerns and feedback from the public seriously and to correct false reporting.
What changes is FIFA planning with FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE)?
With the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), FIFA plans to enable all member associations to have a significant stake in the commercial opportunities of football in their countries.
How is FIFA responding to public discontent?
FIFA emphasizes that everyone has the right to express their dissatisfaction and ask for further explanations and that it takes member associations' feedback seriously.
What happened in this story?
FIFA denies rumors about selling World Cup rights summarizes the main development covered in this report.
Who confirmed this news?
See the source attribution in the article for where this report was first published or corroborated.