GFA President Kurt Okraku and FIFA boss Gianni InfantinoThe Ghana Football Association (GFA) could receive up to $40 million if it backs FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s proposal to sell minority stakes in the world governing body’s major competitions.Infantino has written to all 211 FIFA member associations, including the GFA, outlining the proposal and setting a September 19 deadline for national associations to support the plan to qualify for an initial $20 million, which would become available from January 1, 2027.Under the proposal, FIFA intends to establish a commercial subsidiary to manage its flagship competitions, including the FIFA World Cup. External investors would be allowed to acquire minority stakes in the new entity, a move FIFA believes could significantly increase commercial revenue.According to FIFA, the funds distributed to member associations would come from the sale of a minority share in FIFA Forward Enterprise, a subsidiary created to maximise the organisation’s commercial potential.For Ghana, the financial package could provide a significant boost to football development. The GFA could channel the funds into infrastructure projects, youth development programmes, women’s football, grassroots initiatives, referee development and improvements to domestic competitions.However, the proposal has generated widespread criticism from several football associations, particularly in Europe, Asia and North America, with concerns centred on governance, transparency and the speed of the decision-making process.Some football officials have questioned whether FIFA followed the appropriate consultation process before presenting the proposal, claiming key stakeholders were not adequately informed before the announcement.In his letter to member associations, Infantino defended the initiative, describing it as a transformative opportunity for global football.”It is my duty and responsibility as FIFA president to present such game-changing opportunities to you, our members,” Infantino wrote.”It is equally my duty and responsibility to ensure such proposals are sufficiently complete and feasible, replete with substantiated figures and clear terms to assist you in the decision-making process.”The GFA has not yet publicly stated its position on the proposal. Should it approve the plan before the September deadline, Ghana would become eligible to receive the initial funding package as FIFA moves ahead with its proposed commercial restructuring.By Enoch Fiifi Forson
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GFA could receive $40 million under FIFA's proposed commercial restructuring plan
