FIFA to grant council members access to key World Cup sell-off documents

FIFA has announced that members of its governing council will be granted access to key documentation surrounding the failed Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE) project. This follows a high-pressure ultimatum from UEFA, which demanded clarity regarding the controversial plan to sell stakes in the World Cup to private investors.

Strict conditions for review

The governing body confirmed that while council members can inspect the papers, they must travel to the organization's headquarters in Zurich. Access is restricted by "strict review protocols to preserve confidentiality," according to a letter sent by FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom.

"The withdrawal of FFE, the acknowledgement of mistakes and the announcement of 'potential governance reforms' do not answer how the relevant decisions were taken."

UEFA

UEFA has expressed significant dissatisfaction with the lack of transparency, noting that the initial plan to sell off assets bypassed appropriate council scrutiny. With a presidential election approaching in 2027, the pressure on Gianni Infantino to provide full accountability for these governance decisions continues to mount as the deadline for candidacy nears.