FIFA has vowed to plough on with plans to sell the World Cup despite backlash across the footballing world.
Uefa, Concacaf and the AFC have all criticised the football organisation for its plan, with European nations boycotting all future Fifa tournaments.
England are among all of the Uefa members to agree to the boycott which would include the 2030 Men’s World Cup.
Fifa have responded to the complaints and have shamelessly insisted that “nobody is selling football”.
A statement read: “We have heard the feedback provided by the respective confederations in relation to the proposed establishment of Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) and would like to address the issues that have surfaced since the initial media reporting on Tuesday.
“We respect the feedback and concern aired in public and reaffirm our commitment to an open and democratic consultation.
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”Our planned consultation process was disrupted by incorrect media reports.
“We will proceed with this consultation process to ensure that each MA has the ability to express its vote based on facts.
“FFE has been proposed solely to ensure that all Fifa Member Associations (MAs) have the opportunity to take meaningful ownership of the commercial opportunity of football in their respective countries, and that this does not come at the cost of either the spirit or the governance of FIFA or football itself.
“Nobody is selling football. This is not something Fifa would ever entertain.
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“Everyone has the right to express their opposition and to seek further clarification but no single entity can claim to represent all 211 MAs around the world.
“Each MA should be allowed to review the proposal and have a say in shaping their own future. These are the democratic principles of Fifa.”
Fifa has insisted that the FFE plan would create “value” that is shared among all 211 members.
The plan is to sell 20% of the World Cup to private investors for £3.2billion – which valued the new commercial arm at £15billion.
The scheme would include the £30m to all 211 countries “irrespective” of their support for the plans.
Fifa also admitted that if FFE does not receive majority support then it would not be established and Fifa’s commercial activities will stay the same.
The statement continued: “These components represent the starting point of the consultation process and are open for discussion as part of that process.
“This can include approval, rejection or amendment in their entirety or individually.
“These principles underpin the FFE proposal: unprecedented development funding, truly global ownership of the commercial opportunities of our sport, and full self-determination through a democratic process for all MAs.”
The AFC released a statement criticising the plans by Fifa, though it was not a complete rejection like Uefa and Concacaf.
The confederation admitted it was upset that the plan was announced without consultation and believes there are no clear details on how it will work.
It read: “The AFC stands in solidarity with UEFA and CONCACAF in expressing serious concerns over Fifa’s proposal to introduce private investment into Fifa’s flagship competitions and the decision-making process around FFE.
“The fact that the situation has reached the point where the real possibility of a FIFA World Cup boycott has entered public discourse should concern everyone who cares about the future of our game.
“Football should never have been placed in such a position.
“The AFC has always welcomed efforts to explore innovative approaches that can contribute to the continued development, growth and sustainability of football globally.
“However, the AFC notes with great concern and disappointment that it was not consulted by FIFA at any level prior to the public announcement of this proposal, and nor has it received any detailed governance, financial or legal analysis of the proposal and its potential repercussions, which is totally unacceptable.
“Furthermore, the AFC is deeply concerned that FIFA’s unilateral actions appear to undermine the very foundations of Continental football, which are based on solidarity, cooperation and transparency.
Fifa’s £15bn World Cup sell out
FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s controversial plan to sell of shares in the World Cup has triggered an unprecedented civil war in world football
The battle lines are drawn – between a unified Western front threatening a total boycott and smaller nations enticed by Infantino’s promise of £30million per country if they accept his scheme.
WHO OPPOSES THE SALE?
Opposition to the proposal is massive, swift, and led by the sport’s most powerful confederations, led by Europe.
Uefa (Europe): In a historic 55-0 unanimous vote, European football’s governing body resolved to boycott the World Cup and all other Fifa competitions if the plan passes.
Concacaf (North/Central America & Caribbean): All 41 member nations unanimously rejected the proposal.
AFC (Asian Football Confederation): AFC President Sheikh Salman voiced “great concern and disappointment” over Infantino’s lack of transparency.
Political leaders: Prime Minister Andy Burnham and Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy strongly backed the boycott, declaring football belongs to fans, not billionaire investors. Even disgraced former Fifa President Sepp Blatter also blasted Infantino.
WHO SUPPORTS IT?
Support for the plan is driven by Infantino’s administration and the promise of massive financial windfalls to individual countries
Fifa’s executive leadership: Infantino is aggressively driving the deal, framing it as a “democratic consultation” and a “golden opportunity” to turbocharge global football development.
Private investors (The Kushner Family / Thrive Capital): American firm Thrive Capital, founded by Joshua Kushner (brother to Donald Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner), leads the billionaire group buying into the World Cup. Wall Street giant JP Morgan is also supporting the venture as Fifa’s financial adviser.
Small nations: Infantino’s core support relies on smaller, cash-strapped nations in developing regions who will be tempted by his guarantee of £30m each.
Middle Eastern backers: Insiders expect heavy investment interest from Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) and Qatar who both enjoy highly lucrative ties with Infantino’s regime.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?
The proposal requires a simple majority (50% plus one) of Fifa’s 211 members to pass on 19 September.
Infantino may secure the votes of smaller nations.
But pushing the deal through without Europe and North America threatens to break global football apart.
“Moreover, such an initiative will not succeed without the support of all the Confederations, which is not the case now.
“Given the significance and potential implications of such an initiative, the AFC believes that matters of this nature should first be thoroughly examined and discussed through the appropriate legal and governance channels, with the full participation of the Confederation, MAs and all relevant stakeholders.
“This is the minimum that should be expected for a decision impacting all levels of the game in Asia and beyond, and which constitutes a significant departure from established practice.
“In particular, it is important that the AFC family has a complete understanding of how such an initiative may affect key areas of global and Asian football, including the sustainability of Confederation and MA competitions, as well as the organisation and commercial landscape surrounding the AFC’s activities.”
President Gianni Infantino, 56, reportedly wants to receive $4.2billion (£3.1bn) of funding for the project as soon as October.
Fifa are said to have brought US bank JPMorgan onboard in an advisory capacity.
Should plans be given the green light, which is looking increasingly unlikely, Thrive Eternal, whose CEO Joshua Kushner is Donald Trump‘s son-in-law Jared Kushner‘s brother, are tipped to purchase a 20 per cent stake.
Infantino has developed a close relationship with Trump amid this summer’s World Cup, with the pair even watching the final together from a suite.
Last year Infantino awarded the US president inaugural Fifa Peace Prize.
Fifa claim their 211 Member Associations stand to gain $40m (£30m) each if they signed up to the Forward Enterprise proposal within 53 days.
Prime Minister Andy Burnham slammed Fifa’s plan in a social media post.
He wrote: “Let me say this very directly. Football does not belong to investors.
“It belongs to the people who fill the stands and who stand on the touchline week in, week out, rain or shine.
“The World Cup is not a product. It is the greatest competition in world sport, and it was never anyone’s to sell.
“Dress the deal up however you like. Once you have sold a piece of it, you have sold out.
“Football belongs to the fans. It always has, and it always will.”