Fifa has stated that "nobody is selling football" as it continues to push forward with a controversial plan to sell stakes in its major competitions to private investors. The organization released a statement Friday, asserting its commitment to an open consultation process despite significant backlash.

This initiative, spearheaded by Fifa president Gianni Infantino, proposes creating a commercial subsidiary, tentatively named Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE), to manage events like the World Cup. External investors would be invited to take minority, non-controlling stakes in this new entity. Fifa claims this move is intended to ensure all member associations can "take meaningful ownership of the commercial opportunity of football in their respective countries" without compromising the sport's integrity or governance.

The plan has faced strong opposition, notably from Uefa, the governing body for European football, which voted on Thursday to boycott World Cups if the proposal proceeds. Concacaf, representing North and Central America, also announced its 41 member associations have rejected the plan. Combined, Uefa and Concacaf account for 96 of Fifa's 211 member votes, falling short of the 106 required for approval.

In its statement, Fifa suggested that the consultation process had been "disrupted by incorrect media reports." The organization reaffirmed its dedication to ensuring each member association can vote based on factual information. "Nobody is selling football. This is not something Fifa would ever entertain," the statement read, aiming to allay fears that the sport's control is being compromised.

Concerns have been amplified by reports that Infantino has offered Fifa members $40 million (£30 million) if they back the proposal, with an initial $20 million (£15 million) accessible if federations accept the plans by September 19. Uefa has accused Fifa of attempting to "enrich themselves and their friends" through the plan, viewing the World Cup as a "sporting legacy" rather than an investment product.

If the proposal is approved, the American venture capital firm Thrive Eternal, founded by Joshua Kushner, is expected to lead the investor group for FFE. Thrive Eternal is associated with Kushner, the brother of former US President Donald Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

Fifa's plan requires a majority vote from its 211 member associations, meaning Infantino needs at least 106 votes in favor. The significant opposition from major confederations like Uefa and Concacaf highlights the deep divisions surrounding the proposal and raises questions about its future viability and the potential consequences for global football governance.

The coming weeks will be critical as the September 19 deadline approaches. The stance of the remaining Fifa member associations, particularly those not aligned with Uefa or Concacaf, will be crucial in determining whether Infantino's ambitious investment plan moves forward or faces defeat.