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Champions LeagueAugust 1, 2026

FIFA rejects allegations: “We don’t want to sell football”

FIFA rejects allegations of wanting to sell football and confirms the controversial project to open it up to private investors.

FIFA rejects allegations: “We don’t want to sell football”

FIFA rejects allegations: "We don't want to sell football"

Why this is important

FIFA is under pressure after denying allegations it wanted to sell football. This situation could strain relations with important associations such as UEFA and CONCACAF, which have already protested against President Gianni Infantino's plans. The reactions to the planned reforms could have far-reaching consequences for the structure and financing of football.

Background

Gianni Infantino, the president of FIFA, is facing significant opposition, particularly from UEFA and CONCACAF, who reject his proposals to open up football to private investors. These tensions could affect the future governance of football and change the dynamics within FIFA and its member associations.

Key findings

  • FIFA rejects allegations: "We don't want to sell football".
  • FIFA rejects the allegations of wanting to sell football and confirms the controversial project to open it up to private investors.
  • The FIFA says: "No one wants to play football, but the media does not take notice."
Image FIFA has denied allegations of wanting to sell the football and reiterated that it has no plans to sell the football. However, in a statement published in the last few hours, the world body has reiterated its intention to continue the controversial project that envisages the entry of private investors into its competitions through the creation of a new commercial company. The statement comes after a strong reaction from UEFA, which announced on Thursday that it would boycott the World Cup if the reform is approved. CONCACAF, the association that unites the national associations of North and Central America, has also officially rejected the plan proposed by President Gianni Infantino. To obtain approval, Infantino must convince at least 106 of the 211 FIFA affiliated associations. UEFA and CONCACAF together represent 96 votes, a bloc that could be decisive. In the statement, FIFA claims that the dialogue with the associations has been "disrupted by inaccurate information disseminated by the media" and reiterates its intention to conduct an "open and democratic" consultation: "We respect the concerns expressed publicly and reiterate our commitment that each association can cast its vote based on facts," the statement said. "Nobody sells football. That is something FIFA would never consider e." The project envisages the creation of the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new subsidiary that will be responsible for the commercial management of the association's most important events, including the World Cups. FIFA intends to open the company's capital to external investors, but only through minority shares and without relinquishing control. According to the world association, this would allow national associations to benefit more from the commercial opportunities offered by football without jeopardizing the governance or values of the sport. UEFA, on the other hand, strongly rejects this and blames FIFA to enrich football "for its own benefit and for the benefit of its friends". In recent days it has also become known that Infantino has promised a one-off contribution of 40 million dollars to the associations that support the project, setting September 19 as the deadline for the approval and receipt of a first tranche of 20 million. If the reform is approved, the group of investors would have to be supported by the American venture capital firm Thrive Capital, headed by Joshua Kushner, the brother-in-law of the US President Donald Trump, is founded. This fact continues to fuel controversy and suspicion around the entire company.

What happens next

Gianni Infantino must now try to get the support of at least 106 of the 211 FIF To attract A member associations to advance his plans. UEFA and CONCACAF, which together represent 96 votes, could be decisive if a vote goes ahead. FIFA has announced that it will hold an open dialogue to address associations' concerns.

Frequently asked questions

What did FIFA say about the allegations?

FIFA has denied allegations of wanting to sell the football and stressed that it has no plans to sell the football.

Who rejected the allegations?

FIFA has rejected the allegations and clarified its position in a statement.

Why is there this discussion now?

The discussion arose after UEFA announced it would boycott the World Cup if the reform is approved.

What changes is FIFA planning?

FIFA plans to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new subsidiary for the commercial management of its competitions.

How many votes does Gianni Infantino need for approval?

Gianni Infantino needs at least 106 of the 211 FIFA affiliated associations to receive approval.

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Häufig gestellte Fragen

What did FIFA say about the allegations?
FIFA has denied allegations of wanting to sell the football and stressed that it has no plans to sell the football.
Who denied the allegations?
FIFA has rejected the allegations and clarified its position in a statement.
Why is there this discussion now?
The discussion arose after UEFA announced it would boycott the World Cup if the reform was approved.
What changes is FIFA planning?
FIFA plans to launch FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new subsidiary for the commercial management of its competitions.
How many votes does Gianni Infantino need for approval?
Gianni Infantino needs at least 106 of the 211 FIFA affiliated associations to receive approval.
What happened in this story?
FIFA rejects allegations: "We don't want to sell football" summarizes the main development covered in this report.
Why is this news relevant right now?
The timing matters for how clubs, players, and fans prepare for the next competitive phase in the season or transfer window.