Football’s world governing body expects to receive the first funding generated by president Gianni Infantino’s controversial sell-off plans by the end of October.
Infantino has proposed the creation of a subsidiary body to run Fifa tournaments, which would include some outside investment.
Fifa has given all 211 member associations until 19 September to say whether they agree with the plan, with a straight majority to decide whether to proceed.
One of the main complaints around the plan so far has been a lack of consultation.
Critics will say that is underlined by a new document sent to associations by Fifa – and seen by BBC Sport – outlining the following timescales around funding:
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August: Investors given access to term sheet and select materials.
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September: Investors indicate investment amount and confirm terms.
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October: Commitment letters submitted, long-form agreements agreed, tender allocations made.
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Late October: Investors transfer funds to Fifa by end of October.
The latest development comes as European football’s governing body prepares to hold an emergency meeting on Thursday afternoon to discuss its response.
Uefa kept up its offensive over the plans after it was discovered Fifa had sent an earlier letter – also seen by the BBC – to every association giving them until 19 September to decide if they want to accept the deal, and with it the first $20m (£15m) of an initial $40m (£30m).
“We have learned of Fifa’s deadline to associations to support their proposals or have the one-off payout offer withdrawn,” said Uefa. “This says everything you need to know about this plan.”
That was Uefa’s second statement on the issue. The first claimed Fifa had “crossed a line”.
It is not known precisely what will be discussed at the meeting, which will be held virtually.
Many of Fifa’s members – including the Football Association – are furious at only learning through the media of the proposal to sell a 20% stake in Fifa competitions to private finance – led by the Thrive Eternal investment vehicle owned by Joshua Kushner, the brother-in-law of US President Donald Trump’s daughter Ivanka.
FA chair Debbie Hewitt was among the Fifa vice-presidents not given advance notice. Uefa’s unease has been echoed by the Asian, South American and North and Central American Confederations.
David Bernstein – a former chairman of both the FA and Manchester City – said England should “withdraw” from the World Cup if Infantino’s proposals go through.
Three of the 2026 World Cup semi-finalists are among Uefa’s 55 members. It knows the nuclear option of its members pulling out of the tournament would severely damage the financial viability of the concept.
That is very much viewed as the outer edge of what is possible, particularly as one Uefa member has said it is broadly in agreement with Infantino’s proposals.
“We can see the pragmatic benefits for Czech football,” said David Trunda – president of the Czech FA.


