The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has agreed to evaluate FIFA’s proposal to sell a minority stake in a newly formed commercial entity, marking a potential shift in the global soccer governing body’s fundraising strategy.
The initiative, known as FIFA Forward Enterprise, aims to unlock capital by monetizing commercial rights to the World Cup and other major tournaments, with the organization targeting a valuation of approximately $20 billion.
This development comes amid a fractured response from FIFA’s continental confederations.
While UEFA and CONCACAF have voiced sharp resistance to the plan, citing concerns over governance and revenue distribution, CAF’s willingness to consider the offer suggests the proposal may find traction in other regions.
The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) has also registered complaints, but the lack of a unified front weakens the opposition’s leverage.
The commercial entity would handle the marketing and broadcasting rights for FIFA’s flagship events, allowing the organization to raise funds without taking on traditional debt.