By Emmanuel Okogba
A major dispute has erupted between FIFA and UEFA over FIFA’s proposal to seek private investment in the commercial rights of the World Cup and other tournaments.
FIFA announced on Tuesday that it was exploring the creation of FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new structure that would combine the sale of its commercial rights — including broadcasting, sponsorship, ticketing and licensing — with the operational delivery of its competitions.
Under the plan, FIFA aims to raise up to $4.2 billion from external investors through the sale of minority, non-controlling stakes in FFE, which it says could be valued at around $20 billion. The governing body claims the initiative could generate more than $10 billion in football development funding over the next four years.
UEFA reacted strongly, describing the proposals as having “crossed a line.”
