What You Need To Know About Nasser Al-Khelaïfi’s World Football Clubs Plan To Defy FIFA

On September 29, 2026, Nasser Al-Khelaïfi took another major institutional step during the 33rd European Football Clubs General Assembly in Copenhagen. The Qatari executive officially proposed the creation of a groundbreaking entity named World Football Clubs. This international body aims to bring together teams from every continent under one representative banner.

This initiative seeks to build a unified voice to influence global decision-making. In response to unilateral moves by Gianni Infantino's FIFA, the project intends to rebalance power dynamics. It firmly places clubs at the center of future financial and sporting negotiations.

The EFC has confirmed colossal financial targets to consolidate its dominant position on the international sporting stage. The body now aims for a total of over €20 billion in cumulative revenue over the next 4 years. This unprecedented financial cycle illustrates the growing commercial power acquired by European clubs under this leadership.

From this overall package, a sum of around €2 billion will go directly to solidarity payments. These funds will support youth talent development and academies. They will also bolster the continued rise of women's football across all territories.

Addressing EFC members in Copenhagen, Nasser Al-Khelaïfi ruled out any bid for the FIFA presidency. The Paris Saint-Germain leader offered his clear backing for Aleksander Čeferin to seek another term at the helm of UEFA. This joint front cements the strength of their continental political alliance.

The move comes ahead of the FIFA presidential election set for March 2027 in Morocco. Aleksander Čeferin had already stepped aside from that race in late August 2026. In Copenhagen, Gianni Infantino was represented by general secretary Mattias Grafström.