How many votes does FIFA still need to sell World Cup shares?

UEFA has unanimously rejected the proposal promoted by Gianni Infantino and FIFA to sell shares in the FIFA World Cup to private investors, triggering a major institutional crisis in world football.

FIFA’s plan is to create a commercial subsidiary valued at $20 billion to manage its international tournaments. Through this structure, it would sell up to 20% of the company to external investors.

The 55 national associations that make up UEFA voted against the proposal, presenting a united and coordinated front. The European confederation argues that the measure could compromise both the integrity of the competitions and their sporting governance.

As a pressure tactic, UEFA warned that it could consider a complete boycott of FIFA competitions if the project goes ahead. Such a move would dramatically raise the stakes, potentially removing some of the world’s most prominent national teams from FIFA tournaments.

Under FIFA rules, 106 votes out of 211 member associations are required either to approve or block the proposal. With Europe already opposed, the result will largely depend on the other confederations: Africa (54 votes), Asia (46), CONCACAF (35), Oceania (11), and CONMEBOL (10).

FIFA has set 19 September as the deadline for the final vote. It has also reportedly offered financial incentives and imposed strict timelines in an effort to win over undecided federations, further intensifying the pressure.

It is important to note that not all CONCACAF federations are eligible to participate in this vote. Associations that are not affiliated with FIFA do not have voting rights, reducing the confederation’s effective voting strength.

Territories such as French Guiana, Martinique, Guadeloupe, Saint Martin, Sint Maarten, and Bonaire are members of CONCACAF but not of FIFA. As a result, they cannot take part in FIFA congresses or vote on FIFA matters, although they are still eligible to compete in regional tournaments such as the CONCACAF Gold Cup and other CONCACAF competitions.

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