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Concacaf has called out FIFA for a lack of transparency over its controversial plan to sell a stake to private investors.
FIFA unveiled the plan on Tuesday, July 28, which called for the formation of a new entity called FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).
FFE would house FIFA’s commercial rights – spanning broadcast, sponsorship, ticketing and licensing – along with the operational delivery of FIFA tournaments, including the World Cup.
FIFA said it was aiming to initially raise $4.2 billion for FFE, which would be based on a $20 billion valuation.
Concacaf, the confederation that includes 2026 World Cup hosts Canada, Mexico and the United States, said that it only learned of the plan through media reports and that it was “deeply concerned by the lack of due process.”
“Concacaf was only made aware of this matter through media reports and, subsequently, via a media release,” it said in a statement released on Wednesday, July 29.
“We share the disappointment of many within our region and the game that this level of detail has been designed and shared publicly before any discussion with the relevant governance bodies and stakeholders has taken place.
“As leaders within football, we are the custodians of the game. Collectively, FIFA, the Confederations and every Member Association have a responsibility to always act in the best interests of the sport. Every decision we make must be guided by good governance, robust processes and long-term stewardship.
“This is the framework within which Concacaf operates. We trust that all within the FIFA family will act in the same manner.”
Concacaf was not the only confederation to voice its disapproval of the plan. While Concacaf was more critical of the process, its European counterpart UEFA went directly after the substance of the plan itself.
“This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross,” UEFA said in a statement. “UEFA takes it extremely seriously. So should every National Football Association. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game.
“The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell.”
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) released a statement more in line with Concacaf’s, decrying a lack of consultation from FIFA.
“Decisions that may reshape the commercial and financial future of the game require comprehensive prior engagement with confederations, member associations and other relevant stakeholders before any proposal is made to the appropriate decision-making bod(ies),” the AFC said.