Despite threats of a World Cup boycott from Europe, FIFA is refusing to back down.

So here's what's happening in world football...

Despite some serious pushback, FIFA has vowed to proceed with its controversial private investment plan.

On Friday, the world football governing body clapped back at its critics, insisting it will go ahead with what it calls an "open and democratic" consultation with stakeholders.

This comes after UEFA, European football's governing body, said it was prepared to boycott the World Cup over the proposal. The plan would see FIFA create a commercial subsidiary to run its biggest tournaments and allow private investors to buy stakes in the company.

But FIFA says everyone is getting ahead of themselves.

"Nobody is selling football," FIFA said in a statement. "This is not something FIFA would ever entertain."

The organisation said it has heard the concerns raised by confederations, including UEFA and CONCACAF, which governs North and Central America.

"We respect the feedback and concern aired in public and reaffirm our commitment to an open and democratic consultation," the statement continued. "Our planned consultation process was disrupted by incorrect media reports. We will proceed with this consultation process to ensure that each member association has the ability to express its vote based on facts."

So what’s actually on the table?

FIFA says the new entity, called the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), could be valued at $20 billion and raise up to $4.2 billion in investment.

If it gets the green light from members, every one of FIFA’s 211 member associations could receive a one-off payment of $20 million in early 2027, with their funding allocation for the 2027-2030 cycle jumping from $8.0 million to $20 million.

It’s a huge financial incentive, but will it be enough to win over the critics?

Source: cbinews.tv

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