FIFA has dismissed speculation that it plans to sell the FIFA World Cup, insisting that the tournament and the governance of world football remain fully under its control despite plans to establish a new commercial subsidiary.
The clarification followed the unveiling of a proposal to create FIFA Football Enterprises (FFE), a wholly owned commercial arm designed to attract long-term investment and strengthen the financial future of global football.
The move had sparked concerns in some quarters that FIFA, under the leadership of President Gianni Infantino, was considering selling commercial interests in its flagship competitions, including the FIFA World Cup.
However, FIFA stressed that such claims are false, maintaining that neither the World Cup nor any aspect of its governance is for sale.
According to the world football governing body, FFE will remain entirely owned and controlled by FIFA, while selected investors will only provide commercial expertise and long-term capital to help maximise the value of FIFA’s commercial rights and events.
FIFA explained that the additional revenue generated through the new structure would be reinvested into football development worldwide, including infrastructure projects such as stadiums, training centres and grassroots programmes through initiatives like the FIFA Forward Programme.
The organisation also emphasised that investors would have no influence over football-related decisions.
It noted that issues such as the format of competitions, tournament expansion, scheduling and the future of the FIFA World Cup would continue to be decided solely by FIFA’s Congress and Council under the existing governance framework.
Under the proposal, investors would only acquire shares in FIFA Football Enterprises and not in FIFA itself.
The governing body said it would prioritise long-term strategic investors whose interests align with the growth of football rather than short-term financial gains.
FIFA further reassured its 211 Member Associations that the proposed commercial structure would not affect its responsibilities as the global governing body for football.
The organisation said it would continue to regulate the sport, organise international competitions, oversee the FIFA World Cup and other tournaments, and drive football development across the world.
The proposal is currently undergoing consultations with FIFA Member Associations following its presentation on July 28, 2026.
Any final decision on establishing FIFA Football Enterprises will require approval from FIFA’s governing bodies before implementation.
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