Concacaf criticizes Fifa's World Cup privatization plans

Concacaf joined Uefa in criticizing Fifa’s proposal to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors. In a strongly worded statement, the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football expressed deep concerns regarding Fifa’s governance and lack of due process, revealing they were unaware of the proposal to sell stakes in a new commercial entity valued at $20 billion (£15 billion) until reading about it in media reports.

Concacaf president Victor Montagliani, who played a key role in securing the 2026 World Cup and attended many matches alongside Fifa president Gianni Infantino, found his exclusion from the discussions particularly extraordinary. Montagliani is among the eight Fifa vice-presidents, including FA Chair Debbie Hewitt, who also appeared to have been unaware of the well-advanced plans, which involve US company Thrive Eternal led by Joshua Kushner, the brother of Jared Kushner, Donald Trump’s son-in-law.

As an indication of Fifa’s urgency, the 211 member associations received a deadline of September 19 to decide whether to participate in the proposed sale, potentially entitling them to an initial payment of around $20 million (£15 million), with funds available starting January 1 next year.

Concacaf stated, "We were only made aware of this matter through media reports and subsequently via a media release. We are deeply concerned by the lack of due process. We share the disappointment of many within our region and the game that this level of detail has been designed and shared publicly before any discussions with the relevant governance bodies and stakeholders took place."

The organization emphasized the importance of governance and collective responsibility in football, saying, "As leaders within football, we are the custodians of the game. Collectively, Fifa, the Confederations, and every Member Association have a responsibility to always act in the best interests of the sport. Every decision we make must be guided by good governance, robust processes, and long-term stewardship."

Fifa’s collaboration with US bank JP Morgan to set up the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), which would be partially sold to raise approximately $4.2 billion to fund global football development projects later this year, has left many stakeholders shocked and reignited existing divisions within the sport. Uefa, Concacaf, and the Asian Football Confederation were already preparing to oppose Fifa’s plans to expand the World Cup to 64 teams for the 2030 tournament. There are concerns that inviting private investors will lead to more frequent World Cups due to the immense commercial value.

Uefa accused Fifa of attempting to undermine football’s integrity and will hold emergency talks to devise a coordinated response, including possible legal action. Uefa stated, "This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. We take it extremely seriously. So should every National Football Association, every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, and governments who care about the future of the game. The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially without transparency regarding who profits financially. None of us owns football; it is not Fifa’s to sell."

Andrew Burnham, Britain’s new prime minister, also criticized the plan, stating on social media that "the sport does not belong to investors." He wrote, "The World Cup is not a product. It is the greatest competition in world sport, and it was never anyone’s to sell. Dress the deal up however you like. Once you sell a piece of it, you have sold out."