The Asian Football AFC Welcomes FIFA’s Withdrawal of World Cup Investment Plan(AFC) has welcomed FIFA’s decision to withdraw its proposal to allow private investment in the FIFA World Cup, describing the move as a positive step for global football.
In a statement issued on Saturday, AFC President Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said the Confederation welcomed the withdrawal of the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).
The Kuala Lumpur-based football body stressed that any initiative with the potential to affect the global game should be presented and discussed with football stakeholders in a timely, transparent and meaningful manner.
The AFC, which represents 47 member associations, including Australia, China, Japan and Saudi Arabia, said major decisions should involve the Confederations, the FIFA Council, member associations and other relevant stakeholders.
FIFA had unveiled the proposal earlier in the week, saying the creation of the FIFA Forward Enterprise, a commercial subsidiary intended to manage competitions such as the FIFA World Cup and FIFA Club World Cup, could generate up to $4.2 billion based on a valuation of $20 billion.
The governing body had also said the initiative, if approved, would provide each of its 211 member associations with a one-off payment of $20 million in early 2027 and increase funding allocations for the 2027–2030 cycle from $8 million to $20 million.
FIFA has since withdrawn the proposal following widespread opposition from football stakeholders.
