FIFA confirm highly controversial plans to form FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE), a new body that would oversee commercial rights and operational delivery. It requires private stakeholders and funding. UEFA are strongly opposed, viewing it as FIFA President Gianni Infantino selling stakes in the game.
It is understood Infantino is in line to be commissioner, likely after his expected election for one more term.
FIFA will seek to raise capital of up to USD 4.2 billion and have approached Josh Kushner's Thrive Capital as one potential key investor.
FIFA say "outside investors will have only a minority stake in FFE and will not play any operational role".
FIFA also argue this is all with the intent of expanding "football development funding to over USD 10 billion", and is subject to approval by the 2011 Member Associations, who will have a period of consultation to discuss plans.
FIFA add they will retain sole control of FFE and "exclusive authority over football governance, competitions, match calendar, and all regulatory and sporting decisions."
In addition, FIFA hope to establish the FIFA Fast Forward Programme (FFFP). Under this plan, all 211 Member Associations will be given the opportunity to participate and "access up to USD 20 million in one-off capital".
J.P. Morgan are working in partnership with FIFA on the project.
UEFA will not support FFE. In a statement they say, "None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell."