FIFA Outlines Plans For New Commercial Structure As European Football Bodies Call For Greater Transparency

FIFA has provided further detail on its proposal to create FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new commercial entity designed to increase investment into global football development while retaining FIFA’s governance of the game.

The organisation says the proposal, which remains subject to approval by its 211 Member Associations, could see football development funding increase to more than USD 10 billion, representing a significant expansion of investment through the FIFA Forward programme.

According to FIFA, FFE would consolidate the organisation’s revenue-generating activities into a dedicated commercial entity. This would include broadcasting, sponsorship, licensing, ticketing, hospitality and other commercial rights, as well as the operational delivery of FIFA competitions.

FIFA said the new structure has been designed to unlock additional investment while ensuring the organisation remains responsible for the governance of world football and the ownership of its competitions.

Under the proposal, FIFA would remain the majority shareholder in FIFA Forward Enterprise, with the option to raise capital through the sale of a minority interest. FIFA says any net financial benefits generated through FFE would be reinvested into football development.

As part of the proposal, every Member Association would have the opportunity to access up to USD 20 million in one-off capital through a voluntary participation programme, with FIFA stating that participation would not be mandatory.

The announcement has prompted responses from several organisations across European football, with calls for greater transparency before Member Associations are asked to vote.

In a statement, UEFA said it remained “deeply concerned” by both the process and the substance of the proposal, arguing that a decision of such significance should be subject to greater consultation and transparency.

UEFA said football “is not FIFA’s to sell” and called for a proper governance process, adding that Member Associations should have sufficient time and information to assess the proposal before any vote takes place.

The European Football Clubs (EFC) also released a statement, saying it supports investment in football but believes any changes involving competition-related commercial structures should be developed through an open and transparent process.

The organisation said clubs and stakeholders should be fully informed of the implications of the proposal before any decisions are made.

Similarly, the Union of European Clubs (UEC) has called for FIFA to publish full competition investment reports and supporting documentation ahead of any vote by Member Associations.

The UEC said greater transparency is needed to enable stakeholders to properly assess the financial, governance and sporting implications of the proposed structure.

FIFA maintains that the creation of FIFA Forward Enterprise is intended to strengthen football’s long-term financial sustainability while significantly increasing development funding across the global game. The proposal will now be considered by FIFA’s Member Associations, whose approval is required before it can be implemented.