FIFA Sets September 19 Deadline For $4bn Commercial Stake Plan Amid Backlash

FIFA has given its member associations until September 19 to decide whether to support a controversial plan to sell stakes in major competitions, with each association potentially gaining access to up to $40 million under the proposed arrangement.

The global governing body announced plans on Tuesday to establish a commercial subsidiary to manage major events, including the World Cup, prompting strong opposition from European football’s governing body UEFA and other stakeholders.

UEFA has described the World Cup as not being an “asset to trade”, while the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said it had not been consulted over the proposal.

EU Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef also criticised the plan, telling FIFA: “Hands off our game.”

According to The Times, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has informed member associations that a funding package worth $10 billion could become available from January 1, 2027, if they back the proposal.

In a letter seen by the newspaper, Infantino said member associations would have a choice between supporting the new commercial structure or retaining the existing arrangement.

“Should you wish to proceed, this $10 billion package will become available as of January 1, 2027, ushering in the next phase of our journey together,” he wrote.

He added that associations rejecting the proposal would still have access to the planned expansion of FIFA’s Forward development programme, worth $2.7 billion.

Under the proposed commercial arrangement, each member association could access up to $40 million during the next funding cycle beginning in 2027.

However, the proposal has sparked an increasingly fierce response, with sources opposed to the plan reportedly describing the financial offer as “pure bribery”.

UEFA has also renewed its criticism after learning of the September 19 deadline.

“Today we have learned of FIFA’s deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn,” UEFA said.

The European governing body claimed there was “significant and growing opposition” to the proposal following consultations with stakeholders across the game.

“FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends,” UEFA said, insisting that football could be developed through a model that prioritises associations, clubs, leagues, players and supporters.

The controversy comes as FIFA seeks to reshape the commercial structure surrounding its biggest competitions and increase revenues ahead of the next funding cycle.