FIFA insists ‘Nobody Is Selling Football’ as consultation continues
FIFA has denied claims it is selling football, insisting its proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) is aimed at boosting development funding while remaining open to consultation with all 211 member associations.
FIFA has strongly rejected accusations that it is selling football, insisting its proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) will not compromise the governance or spirit of the game.
The governing body stressed that nobody is selling football and said such an idea was never under consideration.
The organisation confirmed it will continue consulting its 211 member associations over the proposal, adding that FFE will only proceed if it secures majority support.
FIFA acknowledged that, without sufficient backing, its commercial operations would remain unchanged and the new entity would not be established.
FIFA also criticised what it described as inaccurate media reports, claiming they disrupted the consultation process. It said every member association should have the opportunity to assess the proposal based on facts before deciding whether to approve, reject or amend it.
According to FIFA, FFE has been designed to give national associations a meaningful stake in football’s commercial growth while ensuring the governing body retains exclusive control over competitions, regulations, the international calendar and football governance.
The statement comes after UEFA, CONCACAF and the Asian Football Confederation publicly opposed the proposal, raising concerns over transparency, governance and the prospect of private investment in FIFA’s flagship competitions.
Some federations have even warned of a potential boycott if the plan moves ahead unchanged.
FIFA insisted no single confederation speaks for all 211 member associations, signalling that every federation will have an equal voice during the consultation. It maintained the process remains democratic and that feedback from across world football will shape the proposal’s future.
The dispute has intensified scrutiny of FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s commercial vision, with critics arguing the process lacked transparency from the outset.
Despite mounting resistance, FIFA says discussions remain open and the final outcome will depend on the collective decision of its global membership.
