Concacaf 'deeply concerned' over FIFA's plan to sell stake in World Cup

• Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation criticized FIFA for failing to consult football stakeholders before unveiling its World Cup investment proposal.
• The backlash adds to UEFA's opposition to FIFA's plan to sell a stake in a new company managing the World Cup's commercial rights.

Concacaf has joined growing criticism of FIFA's proposal to sell a stake in a new company that would manage the commercial rights of the World Cup, accusing football's governing body of failing to consult key stakeholders.

The confederation, which represents North and Central America and the Caribbean, said it learned of the proposal through media reports and expressed "deep concern" over what it described as a lack of due process.

FIFA announced on July 28 that it plans to establish FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new entity that would oversee the commercial rights for FIFA competitions, including broadcasting, sponsorship, ticketing, licensing, and tournament operations.

The organization said it aims to raise $4.2 billion for the venture, valuing FFE at $20 billion.

In a statement, Concacaf said it was disappointed that details of the proposal became public before discussions with football's governing bodies and stakeholders.

"As leaders within football, we are the custodians of the game," the confederation said, adding that decisions affecting the sport's future should follow principles of good governance, transparency, and long-term stewardship.

Concacaf's criticism follows a stronger rebuke from UEFA, which argued that FIFA was crossing a line by attempting to commercialize the governance of football.

"The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade," UEFA said, warning that the proposal lacked transparency over who would ultimately benefit financially.

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) also criticized FIFA, saying proposals that could reshape football's commercial future should involve comprehensive consultation with confederations, member associations, and other stakeholders before being presented for approval.

Under the proposal, outside investors would be able to acquire a minority stake in FIFA Forward Enterprise, while FIFA has said all proceeds would be reinvested into football development.

The plan still requires approval from FIFA's 211 member associations and the FIFA Council before it can move forward.