FA voices concern over FIFA plan to sell stakes in the World Cup
By Joel Masibo, July 30, 2026England’s Football Association (FA) has voiced strong reservations over FIFA’s reported intention to allow outside investors to acquire shares in the commercial rights linked to its top competitions, saying the governing body had not followed a transparent or well-governed decision-making process.
British media reports indicate that FIFA is considering setting up a separate commercial company to oversee the marketing and commercial rights of its premier events, including the men’s and women’s FIFA World Cups as well as the Club World Cup. Under the reported proposal, external investors would be able to purchase ownership stakes in the new business.
The reported move has sparked fears that private investors could gain considerable influence over some of football’s most prestigious tournaments, potentially driving further expansion of global competitions in a bid to generate higher revenues.
The FA on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, said it had not been consulted on the proposal and had not been provided with detailed information regarding how the new structure would operate or the conditions attached to it.
“We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached.
“Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved,” read an FA statement.
“When the proposal is shared in the full and transparent way now promised by FIFA, we will make our views clear, and comment further.” It added.
The reported proposal emerges as FIFA continues searching for fresh commercial income streams after expanding its competition schedule. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, jointly hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, featured 48 participating nations, while the governing body introduced an expanded 32-team Club World Cup in 2025.
At the same time, British media reports say FIFA President Gianni Infantino has contacted all 211 member associations to seek backing for the proposal. Associations that approve the plan by September 19 would reportedly receive an initial 20 million U.S. dollars in development funding, with the total available support rising to 40 million U.S. dollars.