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\u2019s major competitions, including the World Cup.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Fifa wants to establish a commercial subsidiary called Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) to manage the commercial rights and delivery of its major tournaments.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cFollowing 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,\u201d New Zealand Football said in a statement.<\/p>\n
The Oceania Football Confederation, which New Zealand plays under, has also been approached for comment.<\/p>\n
Uefa has been the most vocal opponent, accusing Fifa of using football \u201cto enrich themselves and their friends\u201d, and has called an emergency meeting of its 55 member associations.<\/p>\n
According to multiple reports, Uefa could threaten a boycott of Fifa competitions, including next year\u2019s Women\u2019s World Cup.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe soul and governance of football are not assets to trade \u2013 especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially,\u201d a Uefa statement said.<\/p>\n
\u201cNone of us are the owners of football. It is not Fifa\u2019s to sell.\u201d<\/p>\n
Concacaf said it was \u201cdeeply concerned by the lack of due process\u201d.<\/p>\n
Infantino needs support from more than half of Fifa\u2019s 211 member associations, as well as approval from the organisation\u2019s ruling council, for the proposal to proceed.<\/p>\n
Associations that reject the proposal could miss out on the additional funding if it is approved.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s part of a democratic process \u2013 a consultation process \u2013 and, above all, it is an opportunity but not an obligation, and, as I said, it kicks off the consultation process,\u201d Infantino said.<\/p>\n
\u201cFifa obviously continues to govern football without any external interference,\u201d Infantino said. \u201cAnd the flagship tournaments it organises, like the Fifa World Cup or the Fifa Women\u2019s World Cup, will always remain.\u201d<\/p>\n