UEFA and FIFPro demand FIFA governance reforms after investment plan controversy

UEFA and the global players' union FIFPro are demanding significant governance reforms at FIFA following the controversy surrounding the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE). The FFE was a plan to create a FIFA-owned subsidiary to consolidate commercial rights—including broadcasting, sponsorship, and ticketing—which aimed to raise up to USD 4.2 billion from minority investors based on a USD 20 billion valuation.

UEFA and other continental confederations opposed the plan due to concerns regarding transparency and regulatory control. UEFA demanded that any such commercial subsidiaries be barred from exercising core regulatory powers or controlling football competitions. While UEFA has withdrawn its immediate threat to boycott FIFA tournaments, the organization has expressed a loss of confidence in President Gianni Infantino and is reportedly working to present an alternative candidate for the presidency at next year’s Congress.

FIFPro has joined the call for an independent review of FIFA’s decision-making processes to prevent unilateral actions by any single office. The union is also advocating for the formal inclusion of representatives from players, clubs, and leagues within the FIFA Council's decision-making structure.