By Samuel Akpan
In a bold move sparking fury, FIFA dangled $40 million for each member association to support selling stakes in key competitions like the World Cup, with a September 19 deadline.
The world governing body unveiled the scheme on Tuesday, proposing a commercial subsidiary to manage its major events, including the World Cup itself.
The announcement triggered immediate and furious opposition across the sport.
UEFA, European football’s governing body, insisted the World Cup is not an asset to be traded.
The Asian Football Confederation added that it had never been consulted on the plans.
EU sports chief Glenn Micallef delivered a blunt warning to FIFA on Wednesday, declaring “Hands off our game.”
According to The Times the same day, FIFA president Gianni Infantino informed member associations that a total $10 billion funding package would be unlocked if they signed up.
In a letter seen by the British newspaper, Infantino made clear that the decision rested solely with each individual association.
“Should you wish to proceed, this $10 billion package will become available as of January 1, 2027, ushering in the next phase of our journey together,” he wrote.
Those who prefer to keep the status quo and reject the proposal would still receive the previously planned expansion of the Forward development programme, worth $2.7 billion.
“In total for the upcoming cycle starting as of January 1, 2027, each member association will have the possibility of access up to $40 million per member association under this proposal,” Infantino added.
Sources opposed to the plan, speaking to The Times, labelled the entire offer “pure bribery.”
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