Challenge New Zealand Football's stance on FIFA Forward Enterprise
The Issue
Growing up in New Zealand, football has always been a core part of my life and identity, and I am not alone. As dedicated fans, our passion is unmatched, and we've tirelessly supported the sport through thick and thin. Recently, at the most exploitative World Cup in history, we paid thousands and thousands to continue our support. Now, a new challenge is facing New Zealand Football, and we need to unite to protect the integrity of the sport we love.
New Zealand Football is considering FIFA's Forward Enterprise proposal to sell a stake in the heart and soul of football - The FIFA World Cup. This move would profoundly alter the nature of the sport, transferring at least some control to external entities whose primary interest lie in profit, not the spirit of the game. It pains me to think of the game I grew up loving being reduced to a mere corporate venture, prioritizing revenue over community spirit. Let's examine the baseline we are already at.
From a World Cup that had majority of tickets prices USD$500 or higher, and $1000 a night 'official' accommodation packages promoted to us as the only option, applying through a ballot for anyone to enter to be 'lucky' enough for the privilege... it had already gone too far under FIFA's control.
Football in New Zealand has always been more than just a game. It embodies our values: community, accessibility, and fair play. These are the principles that unite the fans, players, and everyone involved in the football community across the nation, and evidently, most of the world. If Forward Enterprise is enacted, this foundation is at risk. If NZF don't make a stand against it and continue to explore more time and information to consider it, they're at risk of being on the wrong side of history and straining relationships with Member Assocations who publicly stand and vote against it. If they vote yes and the majority vote no, the FFE plan and financial reward wouldn't happen anyway.
The mission of FIFA's Forward Enterprise focuses on financial growth, seemingly placing this above all else. This relentless pursuit of money, as proven by the out-of-touch decisions witnessed in recent tournaments, would have no limit. It is not reasonable to accept that private investment would come without demands and control to further extort and commercialise the game that used to belong to the people. Companies could simple sponsor the tournament if no control was sought. More likely: more hydration breaks, less game time, even higher ticket prices, more interference in sporting decisions, more control and manipulation of the game by VAR, smaller ticket allocations for National Associations.
The danger of "The Game's Gone" is not a distant threat; it is on our doorstep. The time to act is now, for the sake of future generations who deserve to experience football as we have - a unifying, accessible, and enriching experience for all New Zealanders.
We urge New Zealand Football and relevant stakeholders to reject FIFA's Forward Enterprise proposal. Let us preserve the spirit of the game, ensuring that football remains a sport driven by the community and for the community. It's still vastly profitable and we still receive approximately $12 million NZD from our recent participation. Your support is essential in safeguarding the future of football in New Zealand.
Please sign this petition to stand for the values that define New Zealand football and protect the global game from irreversible changes.
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The Issue
Growing up in New Zealand, football has always been a core part of my life and identity, and I am not alone. As dedicated fans, our passion is unmatched, and we've tirelessly supported the sport through thick and thin. Recently, at the most exploitative World Cup in history, we paid thousands and thousands to continue our support. Now, a new challenge is facing New Zealand Football, and we need to unite to protect the integrity of the sport we love.
New Zealand Football is considering FIFA's Forward Enterprise proposal to sell a stake in the heart and soul of football - The FIFA World Cup. This move would profoundly alter the nature of the sport, transferring at least some control to external entities whose primary interest lie in profit, not the spirit of the game. It pains me to think of the game I grew up loving being reduced to a mere corporate venture, prioritizing revenue over community spirit. Let's examine the baseline we are already at.
From a World Cup that had majority of tickets prices USD$500 or higher, and $1000 a night 'official' accommodation packages promoted to us as the only option, applying through a ballot for anyone to enter to be 'lucky' enough for the privilege... it had already gone too far under FIFA's control.
Football in New Zealand has always been more than just a game. It embodies our values: community, accessibility, and fair play. These are the principles that unite the fans, players, and everyone involved in the football community across the nation, and evidently, most of the world. If Forward Enterprise is enacted, this foundation is at risk. If NZF don't make a stand against it and continue to explore more time and information to consider it, they're at risk of being on the wrong side of history and straining relationships with Member Assocations who publicly stand and vote against it. If they vote yes and the majority vote no, the FFE plan and financial reward wouldn't happen anyway.
The mission of FIFA's Forward Enterprise focuses on financial growth, seemingly placing this above all else. This relentless pursuit of money, as proven by the out-of-touch decisions witnessed in recent tournaments, would have no limit. It is not reasonable to accept that private investment would come without demands and control to further extort and commercialise the game that used to belong to the people. Companies could simple sponsor the tournament if no control was sought. More likely: more hydration breaks, less game time, even higher ticket prices, more interference in sporting decisions, more control and manipulation of the game by VAR, smaller ticket allocations for National Associations.
The danger of "The Game's Gone" is not a distant threat; it is on our doorstep. The time to act is now, for the sake of future generations who deserve to experience football as we have - a unifying, accessible, and enriching experience for all New Zealanders.
We urge New Zealand Football and relevant stakeholders to reject FIFA's Forward Enterprise proposal. Let us preserve the spirit of the game, ensuring that football remains a sport driven by the community and for the community. It's still vastly profitable and we still receive approximately $12 million NZD from our recent participation. Your support is essential in safeguarding the future of football in New Zealand.
Please sign this petition to stand for the values that define New Zealand football and protect the global game from irreversible changes.
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Petition created on 31 July 2026