The Football Association (FA) has voiced serious concerns over FIFA’s proposal to sell stakes in its flagship competitions, as UEFA prepares to hold an emergency meeting with its 55 member associations amid growing opposition to the plan.
FIFA recently unveiled plans to establish a commercial subsidiary to manage its major tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup, with external investors allowed to acquire ownership stakes.
The proposal has sparked fears that private investors could gain significant influence over football’s biggest competitions, potentially paving the way for further expansion of the men’s and women’s World Cups and the FIFA Club World Cup.
In a statement, the FA revealed it had not been consulted before the proposal was made public.
“We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is and what conditions are attached,” an FA spokesperson said.
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“Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved.”
The governing body added that it would make its position clear once FIFA provides full details of the proposal.
UEFA has already condemned the initiative, describing it as a move that has “crossed a line.” The European football governing body is expected to discuss possible responses during a virtual emergency meeting later this week.
Sources suggest the possibility of a boycott could be raised, reflecting the growing frustration among European football leaders.
The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) has also criticised the process, saying it was “deeply concerned by the lack of due process.”
The regional body said football’s governing institutions have a collective responsibility to act in the best interests of the sport and expressed disappointment that such a significant proposal was made public before consultation with key stakeholders.
Critics believe the investment plan could accelerate FIFA’s ambitions to further expand its competitions, particularly amid ongoing discussions over a proposed 64-team World Cup in 2030.
Many football administrators argue that additional expansion would place even greater strain on an already congested international calendar, especially following recent increases in the size of club and international tournaments.
One senior figure in English football reportedly described FIFA’s latest proposal as one of the biggest threats the sport has faced since the failed European Super League project in 2021.
FIFA insists the initiative is aimed at strengthening football’s global development.
According to the governing body, the new structure could increase development funding to $10 billion (£7.5 billion) while giving each of its 211 member associations access to up to $20 million (£15 million) in one-off capital investment.
The latest dispute further deepens longstanding tensions between FIFA and UEFA, whose relationship has deteriorated over several controversial issues in recent years, including proposals for a biennial World Cup and disagreements surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With resistance growing across major football confederations, FIFA now faces increasing pressure to justify its plans and reassure stakeholders that the governance and integrity of the world’s biggest football competitions will not be compromised.
