According to Globo Esporte, UEFA is preparing an independent inquiry into FIFA’s abandoned plan to sell private investors a 21 per cent stake in the World Cup’s commercial rights. UEFA wants to establish whether the proposed stake was offered below market value.
The plan promoted by FIFA president Gianni Infantino met resistance from UEFA and other confederations. The stored source evidence says they were concerned about FIFA’s governance and the possible loss of control over an important commercial asset. FIFA withdrew the proposal after that pressure.
The proposed sale formed part of a plan for FIFA Forward Enterprise, a subsidiary in which FIFA would retain a majority holding. It was intended to consolidate operations around competitions including the World Cup and Club World Cup. UEFA still wants clarity about the earlier negotiations despite the proposal being abandoned.