FIFA has announced that it will move forward with a consultation process aimed at bringing private capital into the World Cup and a range of other international tournaments.
The centerpiece of the plan is a newly proposed $20 billion subsidiary that would oversee commercial and event operations across the federation's flagship competitions.
Under the proposal, outside investors would be allowed to acquire stakes of as much as 20 percent in that subsidiary, giving them a direct financial interest in the sport's premier events.
UEFA's condemnation
The reaction from European football's governing body has been swift and severe. UEFA issued a statement accusing FIFA of putting the sport's soul up for sale and subsequently voted to boycott every FIFA‑organized tournament.
In response, FIFA defended the initiative, insisting that no one is selling football and that each of its 211 member associations must be given a voice in the decision‑making process.
The controversy follows a series of inaccurate media reports that briefly disrupted the consultation timeline, but the federation remains committed to advancing the scheme.