FIFA plans to create a new commercial company to bundle its tournament organization and commercial activities to raise several billion euros [1].
The move marks a significant shift in how the global football governing body manages its revenue and assets. By selling shares in this new entity, FIFA seeks to secure massive capital injections, but the strategy has sparked immediate conflict with key member associations.
Gianni Infantino, the FIFA chief, proposed the plan Tuesday. The new company would consolidate all commercial operations and tournament logistics into a single corporate structure. FIFA intends to sell shares in this entity to outside investors to generate several billion euros [1].
The Deutscher Fußball‑Bund (DFB), Germany's national football association, responded with criticism of the proposal. DFB officials said they have concerns regarding a lack of transparency in the plan. The German association said the move could lead to a potential abuse of power within the organization.
Critics within the DFB argue that the commercialization of tournament organization could compromise the integrity of the sport. The association questioned how the share sale would be governed, and who would ultimately benefit from the new corporate structure. This tension highlights a growing rift between FIFA's leadership and some of its most influential member nations over the financial direction of the game.
FIFA has not yet detailed the specific terms of the share sale or identified the potential investors. The organization said the move is necessary to ensure the future growth of football globally. However, the DFB continues to push for more clarity and oversight before the plan proceeds.
“FIFA plans to create a new commercial company to bundle its tournament organization and commercial activities”
This proposal represents a move toward a more corporate, equity-based funding model for international football. By shifting from a traditional non-profit association structure toward a share-based commercial entity, FIFA risks alienating member associations that prioritize transparency and democratic governance over aggressive capital raises.
