Overview
- FIFA disclosed Tuesday that it has opened a consultation on creating FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a commercial subsidiary to centralize the rights and operation of its major tournaments and seek outside investment.
- The proposal values FFE at about $20 billion and aims to raise up to $4.2 billion by selling minority stakes to long‑term investors while saying FIFA would keep majority voting control.
- FIFA says proceeds would boost development funding for the 211 member associations, offering voluntary one‑off capital of up to $20 million per federation and higher annual transfers in future cycles.
- Names tied to the project include adviser JP Morgan, consultant Greg Maffei and investor lead Thrive Eternal linked to Joshua Kushner, which has heightened political and ethical scrutiny because of ties to people close to President Donald Trump.
- UEFA has publicly rejected the plan as a sale of the sport's governance and the proposal still requires approval by a majority of the 211 member federations and any FIFA Council rule changes before it can proceed.