FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association) is a non-profit international governing body for football (soccer), headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland. It oversees major global tournaments, including the FIFA World Cup, the most-watched sporting event in the world.
Founded in 1904 by representatives from Belgium, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland, FIFA today includes 211 member associations, operating across multiple confederations. As of December 2024, FIFA is led by Gianni Infantino, who became President in 2016.
Ownership Status of FIFA
FIFA does not have an owner. It is not a private company and not publicly traded. Instead, FIFA is an association governed by its member football federations.
Each member federation votes on key decisions, including elections for the FIFA President and major governance policies. Financial transparency is maintained through internal committees, the FIFA Council, and periodic reports.
Because FIFA is not a corporation:
- There are no shareholders.
- There are no ownership percentages.
- All decision-making authority is distributed among member associations and elected officials.
Major Governance Bodies (Not Shareholders)
| Entity / Position | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FIFA Congress | Supreme decision-making body | 211 members; each gets one vote |
| FIFA Council | Strategic and supervisory body | Led by FIFA President |
| FIFA President | Head of the organization | Currently Gianni Infantino |
| Member Federations | National football associations | Represent countries; voting participants |
Note: FIFA is funded through tournament revenues, sponsorships, broadcasting rights, and licensing—not through investors or shareholders.
Key Governance Highlights
Here are key highlights about how FIFA’s structure works:
- FIFA Congress acts similarly to a parliament for world football. Every member nation—from Brazil to Bhutan—has one vote, giving equal representation.
- Gianni Infantino, as FIFA President, oversees execution of policies, global football development programs, and commercial operations.
- Ethics, finance, compliance, and disciplinary committees monitor FIFA’s conduct and activities.
- Unlike businesses, FIFA cannot be bought or sold, and leadership is elected, not owned.
This decentralized model ensures that global football is governed collectively, not controlled by a single entity or individual.
Recent Developments in FIFA Leadership
Recent updates in FIFA’s governance include:
- In March 2023, Gianni Infantino was re-elected unopposed for another four-year term (2023–2027).
- FIFA continues to expand global tournaments, including the 48-team FIFA World Cup starting in 2026.
- Recent reforms focus on financial transparency, women’s football development, and anti-corruption measures.
FAQs
1. Who is the current owner of FIFA?
FIFA has no owner. It is governed collectively by 211 member associations and managed by elected officials, including the FIFA President.
2. Is FIFA publicly traded or privately owned?
Neither. FIFA is a non-profit association based in Switzerland and is not listed on any stock exchange.
3. Who founded FIFA?
FIFA was founded in 1904 by football associations from Belgium, Denmark, France, the Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland.
4. Who is the current President of FIFA?
The current President is Gianni Infantino, serving since 2016.
5. Does any country control FIFA?
No. Every member nation has equal voting power, and decisions are made collectively.