FA warns over ‘limited information’ and governance gaps in FIFA World Cup investment plan

The Football Association has issued a formal statement expressing “grave concern” over FIFA’s controversial project to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors, saying it was neither informed of the proposal nor given meaningful detail.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino is seeking backing from the organisation’s 211 member associations for a new commercial structure designed to expand the governing body’s economic activities and attract private-sector funding.

Under the plan, Infantino intends to sell equity-style shares linked to the World Cup to outside investors – a move that has triggered objections from several national associations worried about the process and the lack of clarity surrounding it.

In its statement, the Football Association said it first learned of the proposal only in outline form and remains largely in the dark over how it would operate in practice.

“The FA was not aware of this proposal at all and we do not have any substantive details, particularly regarding its exact nature and the conditions attached to it,” the statement read.

“Given the limited information available to us, we are deeply concerned about the absence of processes and governance which allowed this to occur, as well as the content and principles that appear to be at stake.”

The FA underlined that its concerns relate both to how the project has been developed and to what it could mean for the organisation and values of the World Cup.

FA calls for full transparency

The English governing body added that it would only be in a position to offer a full assessment once FIFA has released comprehensive documentation on the investment scheme.

“When the proposal is published in full detail and with complete transparency, as FIFA has promised, we will share our views with you and provide further comment,” the FA said.

FIFA has been attempting to rally support by presenting the project as a way to secure long-term financial growth and new income streams. However, critics argue that major changes to the World Cup’s commercial model should be subject to robust debate, clear governance and detailed disclosure.

Infantino under mounting international pressure

Infantino already faces significant opposition from within the global game. UEFA and CONCACAF have both publicly criticised the new investment model and the manner in which it has been advanced.

According to those confederations, concerns extend beyond the commercial terms to questions over sporting integrity and control, with some officials warning that the move could alter the balance of power around the World Cup.

The dispute has escalated to the point where the objections from UEFA and CONCACAF have included threats from within those regions to consider a boycott of future World Cup tournaments if the project proceeds without substantial changes or greater transparency.

For now, FIFA is continuing its efforts to persuade member associations to sign up to the scheme, while several federations – including the FA – are demanding detailed explanations of how any private investment would be structured, regulated and overseen.

The governing body has said it will publish the full proposal, but has not yet set a firm date for when all documentation will be made available to its members.