国际足联确认了一项引发争议的融资计划。[1]FIFA将创建新子公司FIFA Forward Enterprise，向私人投资者出售世界杯运营权的少数股权，融资规模约20亿美元（约17.5亿欧元）。[1]主要投资方是由Joshua Kushner领导的Thrive Eternal公司。[1]
作为该计划的利益承诺，FIFA承诺向全部211个成员协会提供固定费用支持——2027年时每个协会2000万美元，2035年时增至2400万美元。[1]成员协会需在9月19日前做出是否接受该计划的决定。[1]
然而这一提案遭到足球界的广泛反对。[1]欧足联发表声明称，足球"不是FIFA的商品"。[1]德国足协副主席Hans-Joachim Watzke直言"在这里越过了一条界线"。[1]对此，FIFA主席詹尼·因凡蒂诺在社交媒体上回应称"当你们分裂时，我们团结"。[1]
评论人士Miguel Maduro指出该计划存在的权力问题，表示"主席掌控这笔巨大资金，并用它来奖励那些对他忠诚的人"。[1]批评方认为这一计划缺乏充分咨询和透明度，并对世界杯商业化和私有化风险表示担忧。[1]
FIFA has confirmed plans to establish a new subsidiary company, FIFA Forward Enterprise, through which it will sell minority stakes in World Cup operations to private investors in a deal valued at approximately $2 billion (€1.75 billion)[1]. The principal investment vehicle backing the initiative is Thrive Eternal, led by Joshua Kushner[1].
Under the arrangement, FIFA has committed to distributing fixed payments of $20 million to each of its 211 member associations in 2027, rising to $24 million in 2035[1]. Member associations have until September 19 to decide whether to accept these terms[1]. FIFA President Gianni Infantino posted on social media stating, "When you divide, we unite," regarding the proposal[1].
The announcement has sparked substantial backlash across international football organizations. UEFA declared that football is "not FIFA's commodity," while regional confederations including the Asian Football Confederation have criticized the lack of consultation and transparency[1]. Hans-Joachim Watzke, vice president of the German Football Association, warned that "a line is being crossed here"[1]. Miguel Maduro, a critic of FIFA's governance, expressed concern over centralized control of finances, stating, "The president controls this huge pot of money and uses it to reward those that are loyal to him"[1].