FIFA Forward Enterprise: CONMEBOL launches consultations before taking a stance

The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) has issued an official response to the FIFA Forward Enterprise project. Unlike UEFA or Concacaf, it has not opposed the plan, but is requesting clarifications from FIFA and insists that football must remain the top priority.

The debate over the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) project continues to spread among the various continental confederations. After statements from UEFA, Concacaf, the Asian Football Confederation (AFC), and the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) has now issued its own official response.

In a statement released on July 31, the Luque, Paraguay-based body announced it has begun a thorough review of the proposal presented by FIFA. Without formally opposing or mentioning any boycott, CONMEBOL is seeking additional information before making a decision and reaffirmed a principle it considers essential: “Football above all.”

CONMEBOL wants more guarantees

CONMEBOL explained that it has started a consultation process with its ten member associations as soon as the project was presented. Its Council has also been convened to assess the implications of this reform.

The South American body states it has requested clarifications from FIFA on several points, including the structure of the FIFA Forward Enterprise, its governance model, how it will operate, and its potential impact on the organization and development of global football.

This approach stands in contrast with UEFA and Concacaf, both of which have voiced much stronger criticism. For now, CONMEBOL is favoring a period of analysis before making any decisions.

A project dividing the confederations

The FIFA Forward Enterprise project proposes the creation of a company to manage FIFA’s commercial assets, particularly those related to the World Cup and other international competitions. FIFA is considering opening up to 20% of this new entity’s capital to private investors to generate new resources for the development of football.

While presented as a financing lever, this reform has raised numerous questions regarding global football governance and the potential influence private investors could have over major international competitions.

Opposition spreading worldwide

CONMEBOL’s response comes as several confederations have already voiced their concerns.

UEFA has threatened to withdraw from FIFA competitions if the project moves forward. Concacaf has denounced a lack of transparency in the consultation process, while the AFC has expressed concerns about the project’s governance. For its part, CAF is continuing consultations with its 54 member associations before adopting an official position.

CONMEBOL’s stance shows that the debate now goes beyond the traditional divides between confederations and is taking on a truly global dimension.

In its statement, CONMEBOL emphasizes the need to uphold principles of good governance and to prioritize dialogue among all stakeholders.

For the South American body, economic reforms can contribute to the development of football, but they must always serve the game and its participants. By reaffirming that “football above all,” CONMEBOL calls on FIFA to continue consultations before making any decisions on a project that could permanently transform the economic model of world football.

Nouya M'toama

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Versatile journalist specializing in sports and political news, with extensive experience across radio, print and digital media platforms.

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