Zurich, July 31 (V7N)- FIFA is facing increasing pressure over its plan to bring private investment into its major tournaments, including the World Cup. UEFA has threatened to boycott FIFA competitions, while 41 CONCACAF member nations have rejected the proposal. However, FIFA has said it will continue discussions despite the criticism.

The controversy centers around FIFA’s proposal to establish a separate commercial entity, named FIFA Forward Enterprise, to manage the commercial operations of tournaments, including the World Cup. Under the plan, a portion of the entity’s ownership could be offered to private investors.

The proposal has triggered strong opposition from European football’s governing body UEFA. The organization accused FIFA of putting the future of football at risk by opening the door to private ownership.

UEFA said that its 55 member associations unanimously decided that no UEFA national team would participate in future FIFA tournaments if plans for private ownership or investment in FIFA competitions remain in place.

The European body also said football’s future should not be controlled by individuals or organizations whose main objective is profit-making, emphasizing that the World Cup is a football heritage and “not for sale.”

Meanwhile, the North, Central American and Caribbean football confederation CONCACAF has also opposed the proposal. Its 41 member associations unanimously rejected FIFA’s plan, claiming that it was introduced without proper consultation and procedures.

Despite the opposition, FIFA said it is not abandoning the initiative. In a statement issued on Friday, the organization said discussions and consultations with member associations would continue so that all parties could express their views based on accurate information.

FIFA clarified that no part of football is being sold and said the proposed organization aims to allow member associations to become greater partners in benefiting from the commercial potential of football.

The proposal requires approval from FIFA’s 211 member associations. FIFA President Gianni Infantino would need at least 106 votes for the plan to pass. However, with 96 associations, including UEFA and CONCACAF members, already opposing the proposal, the future of the initiative remains uncertain.

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