By Danesius Marteh,
Fifa President Gianni Infantino has written to all 211 members saying they will receive US$40 million if they back his controversial plan to sell off stakes in its major competitions.
Infantino has set a deadline of 19 September for federations to accept his plans if they want to access an initial US$20 million.
Football’s world governing body has said it wants to create a commercial subsidiary to run its main events, including the World Cup, and external investors will be able to buy stakes in it.
The incentive to nations comes less than 24 hours after the bombshell statement rocked football’s foundations, quickly leading to condemnation from Europe, Asia and North America.
It is understood Infantino even left some of Fifa’s eight vice-presidents in the dark about his plan, which it is claimed could raise US$10 billon.
In a video released by Fifa on Wednesday, Infantino defended the plans, calling them “an offer, not an obligation”.
In the message, Infantino said if members respond positively by the deadline, US$20 million will be “available immediately” from 1 January 2027.
Will Liberia Football Association (LFA) back Fifa’s controversial sell off plan for US$40 million in return?
LFA President Mustapha Raji and secretary-general Emmett Crayton have not responded to inquiries sent via WhatsApp at 13:25GMT and 13:26GMT on 29 July.
An LFA Vice President, speaking on condition of anonymity, told our reporter that “it [the Fifa plan] didn’t form part of our last EC [executive committee] meeting [on July 28].”
LFA executive committee member Christian Geeplay Weah has called on Africa to support the initiative.
“Africa must support this proposal. It’s good for the development of football in Africa. Bad for Europe and others but good for us. I na say my own [I have said mine],” he wrote on his Facebook page at 09:32GMT on 30 July.
And Confederation of African Football (Caf) said it received Fifa’s proposal, known as Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) initiative, in accordance with the consultation process that is currently underway with members and Fifa Council.
In a statement released on 29 July by Caf, it said President Patrice Motsepe will host a meeting with the executive committee next week, to inter-alia, assess and evaluate the FFE initiative.
“Caf also encourages its member associations to examine the FIFA Forward Enterprise proposal and participate in the consultation process in accordance with CAF and FIFA’s regulations and established procedures.
“Caf is committed to continue consulting and working together with its member associations, Fifa, other football confederations and stakeholders in support of increasing financial and other resources for the development and growth of football in Africa and worldwide,” the statement concludes.
But European football’s 55 members have voted to boycott World Cups if Fifa proceeds to sell stakes in its competitions to private investors.
The decision was made at an emergency meeting called to discuss the proposal on 30 July.
Uefa, which governs European football, had already made its opposition clear by releasing two damning statements – and that strength of feeling has been reaffirmed.
“The World Cup cannot be treated as an investment product.
“It is one of football’s greatest sporting legacies. It has been built over generations by players, national teams and supporters across every continent. No part of it should ever be surrendered to private investors. The World Cup is not for sale.”
Uefa’s boycott would cover all Fifa competitions, including the men’s and women’s World Cups and Club World Cup, and be triggered if Infantino’s proposals are voted through by members.
The first time this stance will be tested at a senior tournament is in October, when the Women’s World Cup play-offs are due to be held.
Concacaf, which covers North and Central America and hosted this year’s World Cup, said in a statement: “We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process.
“We share the disappointment of many within our region and the game that this level of detail has been designed and shared publicly before any discussion with the relevant governance bodies and stakeholders has taken place.
“As leaders within football, we are the custodians of the game. Collectively, Fifa, the confederations and every member association have a responsibility to always act in the best interests of the sport.”
It remains to be seen what decision will be made at the 77th congress when the 211 delegates meet in Rabat, Morocco on 18 March 2027.
