FIFA Plans to Raise Up to $4.2 Billion

The International Football Federation plans to raise up to $4.2 billion from private investors. To do so, FIFA proposes creating a new commercial entity, FIFA Forward Enterprise, which will consolidate media rights, sponsorship contracts, ticket sales, licensing, and tournament organization.

Investors will be offered minority non-controlling stakes in the new company. The preliminary valuation of FIFA Forward Enterprise is $20 billion. FIFA promises to retain full control over the structure and exclusive authority over tournaments, match calendar, and football regulation.

The organization intends to use the funds raised to develop football across all 211 member associations. Each will be able to voluntarily request up to $20 million for infrastructure, training centers, and other special projects.

Additionally, FIFA proposes increasing per-member association funding under the Forward program from the current $8 million to $20 million in the 2027-2030 cycle. In the following four-year cycles, this amount is planned to be gradually raised to $22 million and $24 million.

The launch of the new structure has not yet been approved. The proposal needs to gain support from a majority of member associations and the required approvals from the FIFA Council. The fund-raising is planned to take place later in 2026.

The initiative has drawn objections from several football organizations. UEFA, the Asian Football Confederation, and CONCACAF criticized the lack of prior consultation and demanded a more detailed explanation of the financial, legal, and governance implications of the deal.

Critics also fear that the drive to increase revenues will lead to more tournaments, rising ticket prices, and greater reliance of football on private capital. FIFA maintains that participation for associations will be voluntary, and the net income of the new company will be funneled back into football development.

Based on materials from: FIFA, The Guardian