FIFA shocked the footballing world when it emerged that it was planning a new commercial proposal that would see its major tournaments, such as the World Cup, made available for investment from private suitors.
As highlighted by its critics, the rollout of FIFA’s new commercial entity would have significant consequences for world football and its already overfull schedule.
Many of the world’s continental governing bodies and football associations have already reacted, but what exactly are the plans and why are they so controversial? GIVEMESPORT provides all the key details.
What is FIFA’s Plan?
REUTERS/Mike Segar
FIFA plans to create a new commercial subsidiary called FIFA Forward Enterprises (FFE), that will take responsibility for its major international competitions, such as the World Cup and the Club World Cup.
By selling off minority, non-controlling stakes to private investors, FIFA hopes to generate roughly $4.2 billion in initial capital. These funds would be distributed to FIFA’s 211 member associations through its Fast-Forward Programme.
Each of FIFA’s member associations would receive a stake in FFE worth roughly $20 million, which they can choose to keep or sell. FIFA is confident that the move will scale global development to over $10 billion over the next four years.
FIFA has stated that they will maintain a majority stake of 51 per cent to ensure control. But as has already been highlighted, with the option to sell individual stakes, theoretically 49% of its major competition ownership could end up in the hands of external investors.
Reaction to FIFA’s Plan
Left image: REUTERS/Henry Romero Right image: REUTERS/Phil Noble
FFE was immediately condemned by the European governing body UEFA, who were able to generate their own statement before FIFA even published their report on the subsidiary. This was due to reports that were published in the Times and the Financial Times. The UK’s newly sworn-in Prime Minister, Andy Burnham, was also among the plan’s detractors.
UEFA’s response was scathing, stating that FIFA had “crossed a line” with its proposal. “The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade – especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially,” read the statement. “None of us are the owners of football. It is not Fifa’s to sell.”
“The World Cup is not a product,” added Burnham in a social media post. “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 have sold a piece of it, you have sold out. Football belongs to the fans. It always has, and it always will.”
The English FA’s statement on its website highlighted a lack of counsel from FIFA before publishing its proposal: “We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached.
“Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved.”
FIFA President Gianni Infantino is behind the FFE plan and has stated that it is his responsibility to continue developing the game’s global reach, maximising revenue and the amount of money available to reinvest in its member associations.
“Parts of the game have turned that popularity into remarkable commercial value – and we celebrate that success and want it to continue, because it lifts the whole game.
“Our job is to make sure the rest of football grows with it: FIFA exists to support sustainable, inclusive development in every corner of the world.”
Why is FIFA’s Plan Controversial?
REUTERS/Hannah Mckay
With Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law, and former Disney chief executive Bob Iger linked to initial private investor bids, there are concerns over the conflict of interest created and the growing influence of external stakeholders.
Investors with multi-billion dollar stakes may not have a majority of ownership, but they would hold influence over key commercial strategy. This can present itself as an increased frequency of major tournaments or an expansion of the number of participants. When identifying potential World Cup hosts, higher-bidding nations could also be prioritised over culturally suitable or diverse bids.
An enduring topic of concern is the already busy football calendar. Domestic leagues and European competition expansion has increased the number of games teams expect to play during the season. International tournaments held over the summer already decrease the recovery period after a domestic season, increasing the chances of long-term injuries. Increasing the frequency of World Cups and Club World Cups will exacerbate this issue.
FIFA’s strategy matches corporate trends in global sport. However, football is not a corporate asset. Much of its strength and appeal lies in its competitiveness, tradition, and community. Private investment will provide an instant and significant capital injection, but those benefits will be short term. The long-term stability of the sport comes under immediate threat, potentially leading to the alienation of clubs, players, and governing bodies, and the inevitable suggestion of breakaways and boycotts.
Real Madrid enter the upcoming 2026/27 season under a familiar face, with José Mourinho returning to the Bernabéu dugout tasked with hauling Los Blancos back to the summit after back-to-back trophyless campaigns.
Florentino Pérez was re-elected as president and moved decisively in the market, wrapping up four senior signings before pre-season was even underway, making a statement to the rest of Europe.
A new spine, blending experience and Premier League pedigree, is beginning to take shape, and we could yet see more additions as reports continue to flood in the aftermath of a Spanish World Cup victory.
Granted, the Mourinho that holds the position now is an older, more experienced and potentially less fiery character than the one who oversaw an incredible rivalry with Pep Guardiola, Barcelona and Lionel Messi. Yet, this stands out as potentially a chance to reignite a spirit that many believe has dwindled.
Further business, both in and out, is expected before the September 1 deadline as he looks to prepare his squad for a trophy hunt, and it ensures that Madrid will be must-watch entertainment this year.
Ahead of the 2026-27 campaign, GIVEMESPORT brings you every new signing and departure from Madrid.
New Real Madrid Signings 2026/27
Jerome Miron (IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters)
Player
Nationality
Previous Club
Fee
Marc Cucurella
Spain
Chelsea
£52million
Bernardo Silva
Portugal
Manchester City
Free
Ibrahima Konaté
France
Liverpool
Free
Denzel Dumfries
Netherlands
Inter Milan
£17million
Arriving in defence are three additions, as Mourinho looks to build strong foundations at the back which has always been a key focus of his successful teams of years gone by. Left-back Marc Cucurella has joined from Chelsea in a £52million move, with the 28-year-old fresh off the World Cup victory, which helps to solve a long-standing problem position.
On the opposite flank, Denzel Dumfries arrived from Inter Milan as the long-term successor to Dani Carvajal, offering an interesting addition to their backline which already has Trent Alexander-Arnold.
Defensive reinforcement continued, this time at centre-back with the free-transfer capture of Ibrahima Konaté, who left Liverpool at the expiry of his contract to give them pace, power and experience.
Following along the same trend, veteran Bernardo Silva arriving on a free after leaving Manchester City was a smart move. Silva, 31, can play across midfield and even wide on the right, and brings the experience of winning 16 trophies under Guardiola.
The second potential deal is even bigger. Ballon d’Or winner Rodri has expressed his interest in joining the 15-time European Cup winners after seven years in Manchester.
Real Madrid Departures 2026/27
Player
Nationality
New Club
Fee
Dani Carvajal
Spain
N/A
Released
Fran Garcia
Spain
Real Betis
£3.4million
Mario Martin
Spain
Getafe
£3million
David Alaba
Austria
N/A
Released
Dani Ceballos
Spain
N/A
Released
The end of an era arrived with the exit of Dani Carvajal, the highly-decorated right-back who was a key cornerstone of the three-peat European achievement under Zinedine Zidane. Also departing is defender David Alaba after five seasons at the club.
Outside of that, Madrid oversaw two sales, with midfielder Mario Martín completing a permanent switch to Getafe for a reported £3million, whilst left-back Fran Garcia joined Real Betis in a move worth around £3.4million.
With high-profile incomings inflating the squad, there is now a question of potential outgoings across the board, most notably the potential of Vinícius Junior, who has been linked with Arsenal. However, a fee over £100million has been requested any deal would make him the club’s highest-paid player by some distance, which casts doubt over a move.
Matsima had been identified as the club’s top target, with personal terms already agreed between club and player, but a deal now will not be happening after a fresh development on Wednesday (29 July).
Palace Move for Matsima Collapses
Manon Cruz via Action Images/Reuters
According to Plettenberg, Crystal Palace had been close to a breakthrough on a transfer agreement for the 24-year-old a few days ago, but negotiations have not progressed.
It has now emerged that the final details of the deal, including payment structure and bonuses, could not be agreed between Palace and Augsburg, and Crystal Palace simply refused to compromise on their terms.
Arsenal are interested in signing Lille striker Matias Fernandez-Pardo, although the French club are reluctant to sanction the player’s departure this summer, according to L’Equipe.
Fernandez-Pardo enjoyed an excellent breakout season in 2025/26, netting eight goals and providing six assists in 41 appearances across all competitions. This return has been enough to prompt interest from several top clubs across Europe, including the Gunners, Chelsea, Liverpool and Atlético Madrid.
However, despite the player recently sourcing a new agent to manage the next step in his career, Lille’s president has publicly revealed that he plans to remain staunch in his stance that the Belgian isn’t for sale.
However, sporting director Andrea Berta is reportedly keen on also bringing a new centre-forward to the Emirates in this window. The potential acquisition wouldn’t necessarily be an immediate upgrade on either Kai Havertz or Viktor Gyokeres, but would potentially succeed both players in a few years, as the pair of strikers come into their late 20s.
Junior Kroupi has been linked for this role, although the Bournemouth star may prove to be too expensive. Instead, L’Equipe report that Fernandez-Pardo is on Berta’s radar.
The Belgium international has established himself as Lille’s first-choice striker since Hamza Igamane suffered a serious knee injury during AFCON in January.
Igamane isn’t expected back before October, and thus, Lille aren’t keen on allowing a player they’re reliant on in Fernandez-Pardo to leave this summer.
The club’s president, Olivier Letang, has spoken to the youngster’s new agent and informed him that his client’s exit won’t be sanctioned.
“The player is under contract until 2029, and his departure is not an issue,” Letang told L’Equipe.
“We are counting on him; he knows that, and we have been very clear with him. He never had a release clause. Every player I told could leave has left. It’s the same old story as last summer, with yet another new agent.”
Fernandez-Pardo is regarded as one of the fastest players in Europe with his Belgian teammates claiming he has reached speeds of 39km/h in sprint tests, although the player himself claimed it was 38.5km/h.
Still, that is quicker that Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven, who is the official recorded fastest Premier League player, hitting speeds of 37.38km/h.
Arsenal Must Focus on Left Winger Pursuit
If Arsenal have learned anything in recent seasons, it’s that they need to be three players deep in every position to deal with the inevitable spate of injuries they’re likely to sustain due to the congested fixture schedule.
For this reason, adding another striker option to complement Havertz and Gyokeres seems reasonable. However, left wing ought to be their priority.
The Gunners are strong across the board, but there is an obvious void of quality on the left-hand side of their attack. They need to ensure they find a top-tier talent to fill this void, and this may mean they cannot allocate resources to the centre-forward position.
Ultimately, if needed, they can keep Gabriel Jesus, or they can use Mikel Merino as the third-choice striker, with the Spaniard proving that he’s up to the task in this position.
