FA chair demands Infantino release World Cup sell-off documents

Football Association chair Debbie Hewitt has written to FIFA president Gianni Infantino, demanding the release of all documents concerning his controversial plan to sell a stake in the World Cup. The letter, also addressed to FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafstrom, highlights significant concerns regarding governance and corporate culture within the governing body.

The proposal, known as the Fifa Forward Enterprise (FFE), aimed to create a new entity to manage commercial and ticketing rights for all FIFA competitions, with a 21% stake offered to private investors. The plan was eventually scrapped following widespread opposition from national associations. However, questions regarding the process remain unresolved.

In addition to the FFE documents, Hewitt—who serves as a FIFA vice-president—has called for a formal written explanation regarding the overturned suspension of United States forward Folarin Balogun during the World Cup. The player was controversially cleared to play in the round of 16 despite receiving a straight red card in the previous match, an incident that prompted concerns about political intervention.

Infantino is under mounting pressure as he prepares for his fourth election campaign in March. While he retains support from several confederations, many national associations, including those from England, Wales, and Scotland, have withdrawn their backing.