World Cup: France, England FAs join UEFA, slam Infantino over plans to sell stakes

The Football Association of England and the French Football Federation have expressed their discontent regarding Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell stakes. Both organizations have indicated that they are not aware of any such initiatives and oppose the plans.

Infantino has allegedly given all football associations a deadline of September 19 to endorse his proposal to sell a portion of FIFA to private investors.

His objective is to generate $4.2 billion by offering minority, non-controlling stakes in the Football Forward Enterprise, which oversees the organization’s commercial rights, encompassing broadcasting, sponsorships, licensing, and ticketing.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, July 29, the England FA remarked that they have been kept uninformed about the proposal and lacked awareness of it. They have called for transparency from FIFA and stated:

“We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached.

“Given the limited information available, we are profoundly concerned about the absence of process and governance that has led to this point, as well as the apparent substance and principles involved. Once the proposal is shared in the full and transparent manner now promised by FIFA, we will articulate our views clearly and provide further commentary.”

Philippe Hamidou Diallo, the president of the French Football Federation, echoed similar sentiments, expressing surprise at being left uninformed about the plans.

“We learned through a press release about a very significant project for which we have no details, and which, regarding its direction—specifically, the introduction of investment funds within a commercial company alongside FIFA—raises numerous questions, especially since we, as federations, have not been able to participate or express our opinions on issues that are evidently fundamental.

“I will have contacts today with my main colleagues from the major European federations, with the president of UEFA, to find out how we should approach his projects on which we have no particular information.”

FIFA has the plan ready and have stated that it will help their member associations gain over $10 billion over the next four years if it goes through. They need over 50% of the members to back them for the plan to be executed.