FIFA to open access to key documents on abandoned World Cup sell-off plan

Football’s world governing body, FIFA, has agreed to give members of its ruling council access to key documents concerning its controversial and abandoned plan to sell a stake in World Cup commercial rights to private investors.

The decision follows mounting pressure from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA), which has demanded greater transparency over the proposal and the decision-making process surrounding it.

Infantino Faces Questions Over Abandoned World Cup Investment Plan

The proposed initiative, known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), was reportedly designed to attract private investment by selling a portion of FIFA’s commercial rights, including those connected to the World Cup. The plan was abandoned earlier this year following strong opposition from European football authorities.

FIFA Opens Confidential Documents for Council Inspection

According to reports, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström informed council members that they would be allowed to inspect relevant documents at the organisation’s headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland. However, access will be subject to strict confidentiality procedures, and council members must register their interest within two weeks.

UEFA Intensifies Pressure on FIFA Over Financial Transparency

The development comes after UEFA set November 2 as a deadline for FIFA to respond to questions concerning the abandoned investment proposal and wider governance issues involving FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

UEFA has expressed dissatisfaction with the explanations provided so far, arguing that important questions remain unanswered, particularly regarding how the proposal was developed and why FIFA’s council was not adequately involved from the beginning.

FIFA Council Members to Review Abandoned Investment Proposal

The European governing body has also raised concerns about transparency, financial decisions and other aspects of Infantino’s leadership. It has sought supporting documents and further explanations as pressure grows for governance reforms within FIFA.

FIFA, however, has maintained that the abandoned proposal could not have proceeded without the required approvals from its council and member associations. The organisation has also indicated that legal considerations and other commitments have affected its ability to respond fully within UEFA’s requested timeframe.

The controversy comes at a politically sensitive period for Infantino, who is expected to seek another term as FIFA president in March 2027.

With the presidential nomination deadline approaching, the dispute could further intensify divisions between FIFA’s leadership and European football authorities.

The key question now is whether the documents made available in Zurich will provide sufficient answers to the concerns surrounding the abandoned proposal.