FIFA is facing mounting criticism after unveiling plans to create a $20 billion company that would manage the commercial rights of the FIFA World Cup and other major tournaments with backing from private investors.

Axar.az reports, citing Euronews, that FIFA President Gianni Infantino has written to all 211 member associations, offering each $40 million if they support the proposal, which would establish a new commercial subsidiary known as FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE).

The plan has drawn swift condemnation from football authorities, who argue that the move could undermine the independence and integrity of the sport.

In a strongly worded statement, UEFA declared that the soul and governance of football are not assets to trade.

"This crosses a line that football’s governing institutions should never cross. UEFA takes it extremely seriously. So should every National Football Association. So should every stakeholder: leagues, clubs, players, supporters, governments and everyone who cares about the future of the game.

The soul and governance of football are not assets to trade - especially with zero transparency as to who gains financially. None of us are the owners of football. It is not FIFA’s to sell," UEFA X account wrote.

UEFA Vice-President Gabriele Gravina also criticized the proposal, saying, "Football cannot be reduced to a private affair. We are crossing the line."

Former FIFA President Sepp Blatter expressed concern over reports linking potential investors to the family of Jared Kushner, son-in-law of U.S. President Donald Trump, while EU Sports Commissioner Glenn Micallef urged FIFA to keep commercial interests from overriding the game's values, declaring, "Hands off our game."

UEFA is expected to hold an emergency meeting to coordinate a response, as football stakeholders across Europe and beyond warn that the proposal could fundamentally reshape the governance and commercial future of the world's most popular sport.