Is’s Time for a Competitor to Take Out FIFA?

For decades, FIFA has enjoyed its position as the undisputed governing body of global football, orchestrating events that unite billions of fans worldwide. But behind the spectacle lies a troubling legacy of corruption, questionable ethics, and decisions that seem to undermine the very principles of fairness and inclusion the sport is supposed to represent.

From bribery scandals to the controversial awarding of the World Cup to Qatar and Saudi Arabia — nations with troubling human rights records and little traditional football culture — FIFA has repeatedly demonstrated a willingness to prioritize profits and power over the spirit of the game. The question is no longer whether FIFA can change; it’s whether football deserves a better alternative.

Here’s why there isn’t yet a strong competitor to FIFA — and why the time has come to seriously consider one.​​​​

1. FIFA’s Historical Dominance

FIFA was established in 1904, giving it over a century to consolidate its power and influence. Its early establishment as the global authority on football gave it control over the sport’s most prestigious events, like the World Cup. Over the decades, FIFA has entrenched itself so deeply in the footballing ecosystem that breaking away from its grip feels nearly impossible.