NZ Football cautious over Fifa's controversial private-investment plans
New Zealand Football says it will need time to review a proposal from Fifa president Gianni Infantino outlining plans to sell a minority stake in a new commercial subsidiary that would manage the governing body’s major competitions, including the World Cup.
Infantino has set a September 19 deadline for all 211 member associations to decide whether to back the proposal, which, if approved, could unlock funding worth up to $70 million for each association over the next four years, including New Zealand Football.
Fifa wants to establish a commercial subsidiary called Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) to manage the commercial rights and delivery of its major tournaments.
Under the proposal, external investors would be able to purchase up to a 20% minority, non-controlling stake in the company, while Fifa would retain control of football governance and its competitions.
While confederations including the Union of European Football Associations (Uefa) and the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (Concacaf) have strongly criticised the proposal, New Zealand Football is taking a measured approach.
“Following the news of this proposal this week, New Zealand Football will need time to review, as well as more information from Fifa, before commenting further,” New Zealand Football said in a statement.
The Oceania Football Confederation, which New Zealand plays under, has also been approached for comment.
Uefa has been the most vocal opponent, accusing Fifa of using football “to enrich themselves and their friends”, and has called an emergency meeting of its 55 member associations.
According to multiple reports, Uefa could threaten a boycott of Fifa competitions, including next year’s Women’s World Cup.
“The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially,” a Uefa statement said.
“None of us are the owners of football. It is not Fifa’s to sell.”
Concacaf said it was “deeply concerned by the lack of due process”.
Infantino needs support from more than half of Fifa’s 211 member associations, as well as approval from the organisation’s ruling council, for the proposal to proceed.
Associations that reject the proposal could miss out on the additional funding if it is approved.
“It’s part of a democratic process – a consultation process – and, above all, it is an opportunity but not an obligation, and, as I said, it kicks off the consultation process,” Infantino said.
“Fifa obviously continues to govern football without any external interference,” Infantino said. “And the flagship tournaments it organises, like the Fifa World Cup or the Fifa Women’s World Cup, will always remain.”
Ben Francis is an Auckland-based reporter for the New Zealand Herald who covers breaking sports news.
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