Jul 29, 2026, 08:56 AM ET

FIFA president Gianni Infantino set a September 19 deadline on Wednesday for the 211 member federations to endorse his private investment proposal, offering each association up to 40 million dollars in support.

The Times of London initially reported details from the letter sent to member federations.

The communication follows widespread criticism of the plans, with sources indicating UEFA is exploring responses that include a possible World Cup boycott due to insufficient consultation and governance concerns.

Infantino notes in the letter that a 10 billion dollar funding package would be released if approved, versus 2.7 billion dollars if rejected.

Infantino outlined the exceptional funding chance in the letter, explaining his intent to form a 20 billion dollar FIFA subsidiary with 20 percent private ownership to manage competitions including World Cups and Club World Cups.

The plan receives backing from Thrive Capital, founded by Joshua Kushner, brother of Jared Kushner and son-in-law to U.S. President Donald Trump.

It is my duty and responsibility as FIFA president to present such game-changing opportunities to you, our members, Infantino wrote in the letter seen by The Associated Press.

Should you wish to proceed this 10 billion dollar package will become available as of January 1, 2027, ushering in the next phase of our journey together.

Should you wish to retain the status quo and reject this proposal we still have our planned expansion of the Forward programme of 2.7 billion dollars as previously presented.

In total for the upcoming cycle starting as of January 1, 2027 each member association will have the possibility of access up to 40 million dollars per member association under this proposal.

The total comprises up to 20 million dollars in one-off Fast Forward funding and 20 million dollars in FIFA Forward development funding for the 2027-30 cycle.

UEFA, which plans to convene its 55 member federations for an emergency online meeting likely on Thursday, released a statement responding to the 20 million dollar one-off offer.

Today we have learned of FIFA's deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn. This says everything you need to know about this plan, UEFA said on Wednesday.

But having held discussions with many stakeholders across the game, UEFA knows there is significant and growing opposition to FIFA's scheme. FIFA cannot continue to use our sport to enrich themselves and their friends. We can grow the game correctly. It's time to prioritise associations, clubs, leagues, players and fans.

The Football Association and Concacaf have both expressed deep concern over FIFA's plan to sell stakes in its major competitions.

On Tuesday, UEFA maintained that the World Cup is not an asset to trade.

We were completely unaware of this proposal and have no substantive details, including what the proposition actually is, and what conditions are attached, the FA added in a statement Wednesday.

Based on the limited information, we are deeply concerned about the lack of process and governance to get to this point, and the apparent substance and principles involved.

When the proposal is shared in the full and transparent way now promised by FIFA, we will make our views clear, and comment further.

Information from The Associated Press, PA and ESPN's Mark Ogden was used in this report.