European Commission examines FIFA investment plan linked to private funds and Trump associates

The European Commission has confirmed it is closely scrutinising a FIFA proposal to attract external investment into the running of its competitions, amid political and legal concern over a potential sale of commercial rights linked to associates of US president Donald Trump.

A Commission spokesperson said on Thursday that Brussels is monitoring the plan by world football’s governing body, which would involve selling a stake in its World Cup commercial rights to private investment funds reportedly connected to Trump’s circles.

The proposal centres on FIFA creating a new subsidiary valued at $20bn (£15.3bn) to oversee the commercial operations of the World Cup and other major tournaments, and then offering up to 20% of that entity’s shares to private-sector investors.

Commission ready to assess complaints

Speaking to Reuters, the European Commission spokesperson stressed that the EU executive is following developments around FIFA’s project “very closely”.

The official added that the Commission stands ready to assess any formal complaints it may receive regarding the plan, in order to verify whether it complies with existing European laws and regulations. No details were given on what specific legal areas might be examined, but such assessments typically cover competition, market access and governance issues.

European and Asian confederations voice concerns

The move by the Commission comes against a backdrop of strong opposition within football’s political structures to the current form of FIFA’s investment proposal.

UEFA has already stated it is firmly against the plan. The European governing body has publicly and unequivocally rejected the project, signalling deep reservations about the implications of partially privatising the commercial rights to the World Cup and other flagship competitions.

The Asian Football Confederation has also expressed significant concern. While it has not gone as far as outright rejection, the AFC has made clear it is reluctant to back the scheme in its current shape and has called for extensive consultations before any final decision is taken.

Background to growing controversy

Debate over FIFA’s strategy intensified after details emerged of the potential sale of a share of World Cup commercial rights to private funds reportedly tied to individuals within Trump’s network.

Those revelations have fuelled questions in both sporting and political circles about transparency, governance standards and the long-term control of football’s showpiece tournament.

FIFA’s leadership has argued that bringing in outside capital on a minority basis through a dedicated $20bn entity would help secure and expand revenues from the World Cup and other major events, while retaining overall control within the Zurich-based organisation.

However, the strong stance from UEFA, the reservations voiced by the AFC and the decision by the European Commission to keep the plan under active review ensure that FIFA’s proposal will continue to face intense scrutiny both within and beyond the game.