FIFA President Gianni Infantino has offered member associations, including the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), access to funding of up to $40 million each in a bid to secure support for a proposal to sell a stake in the commercial rights to the FIFA World Cup and other FIFA competitions.
The 211 FIFA member associations have until 19 September to approve or reject the proposal, which has already attracted criticism from several football governing bodies, particularly in Europe.
Infantino has written to all member associations urging them to support the creation of a new commercial structure for FIFA competitions. Under the proposal, FIFA would establish a commercial subsidiary valued at $20 billion, with private investors acquiring a 20 per cent stake.
The new company would manage the commercial rights to FIFA competitions, including the FIFA World Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup.
According to FIFA, approval of the proposal would unlock a $10 billion funding package from 1 January 2027, enabling each member association to access up to $40 million.
If the proposal is rejected, FIFA said it would proceed with the previously announced expansion of the FIFA Forward development programme, valued at $2.7 billion. Under that arrangement, the NFF and other member associations would be eligible for up to $20 million during the 2027–2030 funding cycle, up from the current allocation of $8 million.
The NFF has previously used funding from the FIFA Forward programme to finance projects, including the NFF-FIFA Players’ Hostel and the construction of new training pitches at its headquarters in Abuja.
The proposal, backed by investment firm Thrive Capital, has raised concerns over governance and the process surrounding the planned investment. Thrive Capital was founded by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of United States President Donald Trump.
In a letter seen by The Associated Press, Infantino said it was his responsibility as FIFA president to present what he described as a transformative opportunity to member associations.
“It is my duty and responsibility as FIFA president to present such game-changing opportunities to you, our members,” he wrote.
“Should you wish to proceed, this $10 billion package will become available as of 1 January 2027, ushering in the next phase of our journey together.
“Should you wish to retain the status quo and reject this proposal, we still have our planned expansion of the Forward programme of $2.7 billion as previously presented.”
The proposal has prompted opposition from several football authorities.
UEFA has criticised the lack of consultation and governance surrounding the plans, while reports indicate that European football’s governing body is considering several options, including the possibility of boycotting a future FIFA World Cup.
The English Football Association and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) have also expressed concerns over the proposal.
Neither the Confederation of African Football (CAF) nor the Nigeria Football Federation has publicly stated its position on the plan. The NFF is also expected to hold its elective congress in September.
