FIFA headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland [Reuters Yonhap News file photo] 

It has been reported that FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), which is pursuing a plan to create a new subsidiary to manage international football tournaments such as the World Cup and sell stakes to private investors, has set a September deadline for member nations to approve the plan.

According to foreign media reports including the dpa news agency on the 29th (local time), FIFA President Gianni Infantino sent a letter to the football associations of 211 member nations stating that if they support the plan by September 19, each association will receive $40 million (58 billion KRW). This funding will be drawn from a $10 billion support package, with $20 million (29 billion KRW) to be paid in advance.

Conversely, the letter stated that associations that do not participate in the plan will only be eligible for $2.7 million (approximately 3.9 billion KRW) under the current distribution system.

Previously, British media reported the day before that FIFA is planning to establish a subsidiary called 'FIFA Forward Enterprise' (FFE) to consolidate the sale of commercial rights and the management of major tournaments like the World Cup, and is in discussions with the U.S. investment bank JPMorgan and other external investors to raise up to $4.2 billion (approximately 6 trillion KRW) this year. FIFA estimates the value of the new entity at approximately $20 billion (approximately 29 trillion KRW).

For this FIFA plan to be implemented, it requires approval from the 38-member FIFA Council and a majority vote from the 211 member football associations. FIFA intends to formally submit the plan to the FIFA Council in the near future.

This plan by FIFA has immediately triggered a strong backlash.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino [AP=Yonhap News file photo] 

The Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) stated on the 29th, "Following discussions with numerous stakeholders in the football world, we have confirmed that opposition to FIFA's plan is significant and continues to grow," adding, "FIFA must no longer use our sport to enrich themselves and their associates."

UEFA raised its voice, stating, "We can develop football in the right way," and "It is time to put member associations, clubs, leagues, players, and fans first."

The day before, UEFA had already opened a public critique, stating that 'football is not a possession or a commodity for sale' and that FIFA had crossed the line.

In its statement, UEFA emphasized, "The spirit and governance of football are not assets that can be traded, especially when there is a total lack of transparency regarding who will benefit financially," adding, "None of us are the owners of football, and it is not something for FIFA to sell."

The European sports community, led by UEFA, has recently been intensifying its criticism, arguing that FIFA President Gianni Infantino, who is seeking a fourth consecutive term in next March's election, is aligning himself with the U.S. President Donald Trump to politicize FIFA and hyper-commercialize the World Cup.

Europe holds a high status in the international football community, as evidenced by the fact that six of the quarter-finalists in the current North and Central American World Cup are European teams.

The English Football Association (FA) also issued a statement on the same day expressing grave concerns.

The FA expressed its regret, saying, "We were completely unaware of this proposal and have not been provided with any actual details, including what the proposal actually entails or its terms and conditions."

The Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) also stated, "We express deep concern over the lack of proper due process."

The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) also expressed "disappointment" over not being consulted in advance.

The European Union (EU) warned that FIFA's plan could potentially conflict with EU competition law.

 Glenn Micallef, EU Commissioner for Culture and Sport [EPA Yonhap News file photo]

Glenn Micallef, the EU Commissioner for Sport, wrote on X (formerly Twitter) on the 29th, targeting FIFA: "The endless commercialization of football has reached a point where it is eating away at the sport," and "Keep your hands off our game."

Commissioner Micallef further emphasized that according to the European Court of Justice, the EU's highest court, sports regulations with economic impact are subject to EU law, adding, "The European Commission will carefully examine this plan within its jurisdiction."

British Prime Minister Andy Burnham also wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "Football does not belong to investors, but to those who fill the stands and those who stand on the touchline every week, rain or shine," adding, "The World Cup is not a commodity; it is the greatest tournament in global sports, and no one has the right to sell it."

Prime Minister Burnham emphasized, "No matter how well you package that deal, selling any part of it is a betrayal," adding, "Football belongs to the fans. It always has, and it always will."