FIFA Forward Enterprise controversy

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Arsène Wenger supports decision to scrap FIFA World Cup investment plan

FIFA President Gianni Infantino officially withdrew the entire project following pressure from numerous associations.

On August 1, 2026, FIFA President Gianni Infantino officially withdrew the FIFA Forward Enterprise project following pressure from numerous associations. The proposal had aimed to establish a company valued at approximately $20 billion, which would have offered up to 20 percent ownership to private investors to manage the commercial rights of FIFA's most valuable competitions, including the Men's and Women's World Cup and the Club World Cup.

The project had previously involved an offer from Infantino in late July, where each of the 211 FIFA members was offered a one-time payment of $20 million, provided they accepted by September 19. Amidst the controversy, UEFA had threatened to boycott FIFA competitions in opposition to the plan.

Arsène Wenger, FIFA's Director of Global Football Development, supported the decision to scrap the plan, describing it as 'absolutely necessary.' Wenger stated his belief in an independent FIFA that serves the sport with dedication, transparency, and integrity, noting that he was not involved in the creation of the plan and first learned of it through media reports.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino offered a one-time payment of $20 million to each of the 211 FIFA members as part of the investment project.

As part of the FIFA Forward Enterprise investment project, FIFA President Gianni Infantino offered a one-time payment of $20 million to each of the 211 FIFA members in late July. According to reports, members were given until September 19 to accept the offer.

The broader project aimed to create a company valued at approximately $20 billion by offering up to 20 percent ownership to private investors to manage the commercial rights of FIFA's most valuable competitions.

The FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project was proposed as a commercial subsidiary to raise up to $4.2 billion.

The FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) was proposed as a commercial subsidiary designed to invite third parties to take minority, non-controlling investments. Based on an initial equity valuation of approximately $20 billion, the project aimed to raise up to $4.2 billion.

The plan would have involved managing the commercial rights for the Men's and Women's World Cup, the Club World Cup, and revenues from sponsors, tickets, VIP packages, and television rights. Under the proposal, up to 20 percent ownership would have been offered to private investors.