Fifa president Gianni Infantino has written to all 211 member associations offering them $40m (£30m) if they support his plan to sell stakes linked to the governing body’s major competitions, BBC News reports.
According to the BBC, Infantino has set a 19 September deadline for associations to accept the proposal in order to access an initial $20m (£15m), which the letter says would be available from 1 January.
Fifa wants to establish a commercial subsidiary to run its leading events, including the World Cup, with outside investors able to buy stakes in the entity. The BBC said the plan could raise $10bn (£7.5bn), and reported that some of Fifa’s eight vice-presidents had not been fully informed.
Uefa has strongly criticised the proposal, accusing Fifa of using football to benefit itself and its associates. European football’s governing body said there was growing opposition across the game and called for the interests of associations, clubs, leagues, players and fans to be prioritised.
Infantino defended the proposal in a Fifa video, describing it as an offer rather than a requirement and saying it formed part of a consultation process. He said it represented a major opportunity to accelerate football development worldwide.
Fifa says the funding would come from selling a minority part of its stake in Fifa Forward Enterprise, a subsidiary intended to increase commercial revenue and include private investment.
The Football Association said it had not been aware of the proposal and had not received substantive details, including the conditions attached. It expressed concern about the process and governance around the plan.
Former FA and Manchester City chairman David Bernstein told BBC Radio 4 that England should withdraw from the World Cup if the proposals proceed, describing the situation as unacceptable.
Other organisations have also raised concerns. Concacaf said it was troubled by the lack of due process, while the Asian Football Confederation called for transparency, good governance and meaningful consultation. Global players’ union Fifpro urged Fifa to reconsider, warning of possible implications for player welfare, the international calendar and governance.
There has been some support. Czech Republic FA president David Trunda told Sky News he could see practical benefits for Czech football, while adding that more detail was needed.
Infantino is expected to win a fourth term as Fifa president at the Fifa Congress in March.
