• by Wayne Friedman , Staff Writer, Yesterday

With TV/media rights skyrocketing for all sports content, one major sports group -- FIFA -- is looking to transform itself, after its massively successful result for the just-completed World Cup in North America.

It wants to sell a stake in FIFA to private investors.

To many in the U.S., that might not sound controversial, but it is when in comparison to U.S.-based private, for-profit leagues like the NFL, NBA, or Major League Baseball, which are collectively owned by 30 or more teams.

FIFA (Fédération Internationale de Football Association), UEFA (Union of European Football Associations), and scores of other soccer/football global groups are just non-profit public “custodian” organizations -- of the sports.

FIFA does not “own” the World Cup. It has 211 national associations as members.

FIFA wants to sell private stakes in FIFA Forward Enterprise, which controls broadcast, ticketing and commercial rights for events like the World Cup.

Critics complain that investors would have unrelenting leverage over teams playing calendar, formats, where matches are played, and possible new ways to make money. This World Cup, for example, started up “hydration” breaks, where TV networks capitalized on selling new on-air advertising inventory.

Right now, FIFA is estimated to have pulled in $15 billion in media-rights fees and sponsorship globally -- double the amount for the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.

This money goes to its members, as well as paying for stadium operations, travel, broadcast production and referee management, among other costs.

What’s in it for its ongoing members who would approve the new private investor plan?

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is offering a one-time $20 million cash-out payment to every member who votes to approve the new commercial deal.

Whether this plan is successful or not, critics believe FIFA's ultimate goal is that it wants to be more than just a non-profit “custodian” of the sports.

High-profile TV/sponsorship dollars and worldwide soaring viewership will do that to you.