FIFA has vowed to press ahead with its controversial plan to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors despite growing opposition from major football governing bodies.
The development followed a decision by UEFA, European football’s governing body, to consider boycotting future World Cups if the proposal proceeds.
Concacaf, the governing body for football in North and Central America and the Caribbean, also said its 41 member associations had rejected the proposal put forward by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
The opposition could pose a major challenge to the plan, as FIFA requires 106 of its 211 member associations to vote in favour of the proposal for it to be approved.
UEFA and Concacaf members collectively account for 96 votes, leaving FIFA needing significant support from other confederations to secure the required majority.
In a statement released on Friday, FIFA said the consultation process had been disrupted by what it described as “incorrect media reports.”
The world football governing body said it remained committed to consulting its member associations and ensuring that they were able to make an informed decision.
“We respect the feedback and concern aired in public and reaffirm our commitment to an open and democratic consultation,” FIFA said.
“We will proceed with this consultation process to ensure that each MA (member association) has the ability to express its vote based on facts.”
FIFA also rejected suggestions that the proposal amounted to selling football to private interests.
“Nobody is selling football. This is not something FIFA would ever entertain,” the organisation said.
Under the proposed plan, FIFA intends to establish a $20bn subsidiary, FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would oversee the World Cup and the organisation’s other major competitions.
As part of the plan, FIFA is proposing to offer external investors a stake of up to 20 per cent in the subsidiary.
Thrive Eternal, an investment fund operated by Thrive Capital, founded by US businessman Joshua Kushner, is expected to lead the proposed investor group, according to FIFA.
Joshua Kushner is the younger brother of Jared Kushner, who is the son-in-law of United States President Donald Trump.
The proposed investment structure has generated significant debate within international football, particularly over concerns about private ownership and control of commercial interests linked to FIFA’s major competitions.
FIFA, however, insists that the consultation process remains ongoing and that member associations will ultimately have the opportunity to vote on the proposal.
The growing resistance from UEFA and Concacaf could make securing the required majority a difficult task for Infantino as FIFA seeks to reshape the financial structure surrounding its global competitions.